12 Years Old {Please consider donating!}

Miss K is 12 today! This year for her birthday she would like to give instead of receive. We have been blessed by so many 'angels' in our lives over the years. K recognizes this and would like to take a turn helping others. From now until Thanksgiving she will be collecting new clothes, new toys, and gift certificates (Target, Walmart, or Toys R Us). She will be donating all items to various organizations throughout the Christmas season. (Toys 4 Tots, Angel Tree, needy families, etc.) We will keep you posted about the progress, where the items are going, and what she chooses to buy with gift certificates and such. Please let me know if you would like to donate!

 

H’s Birthday Post

It’s been over a month since my little H turned SEVEN years old.  My baby girl… another year older.  Weird! 

I think I say it’s weird every time any of my kids have a birthday.  But Wowsers!  Time sure does fly!  Not really a fan of the flying time thing. 

H celebrated her birthday with a few friends in the neighborhood and some family… those that could make it.  While there were lots of fun things that went on that day including a pinata, presents, and lots of laughing, my very favorite picture is the one below.

Such an H face!  Love those thin little pencil line lips and those bright blue eyes standing out from behind that dark hair.  Sometimes I find it odd that my lightest eyed child has the darkest hair.  I love that combo!  And although you can’t see it in the picture, I also love and adore that little munchkin voice she’s got.  Unless she’s talking like a baby… then it’s not so cute.  But when she’s doing her darndest to use big girl words and talk like a grown up it’s so sweet. 

H, I love you so much!  I hope you continue to grow and prosper both physically and spiritually.  You have so much love to give and so much happiness to share!  Your sweet, loving ways have touched so many around you.  I can see the desire in you to learn more about the gospel and the role it currently plays and will play in the future in your life.  Please hold on to that desire and nurture it.  Seek out only the best of influences in everything you do.  Make great friends who have standards and morals similar to your own, read only the best of uplifting books, and always seek to gain knowledge from great mentors! 

You are such a great example to those of us around you.  We all love you so very much.

Love,

Mom 

More Birthday Stuff!

After leaving Temple Square, where we gathered for C’s birthday, we headed to Leatherby’s.  I grew up going to Leatherby’s quite often and to this day it’s my favorite place to go for ice cream…. and cheese fries.  Mmm, I could go for a batch right now!  Definitely not clean but absolutely delicious to be sure!

While there, I was able to get a couple of pics.  Unfortunately they’re just cell phone pics because I didn’t want to pull out my camera and risk it getting sticky or something.  That would be a tragedy! 

We had the kids look at the ice cream flavors in the buckets before being seated so they would know ahead of time what they wanted.  It’s always a process, might as well get it done early.  C insisted on the ‘RED’ one.  (He always calls green red for some reason.)

It’s Pistachio Nut.  And it was really good.  

Once he was done, he decided to help the waiters out.  I mean, I’m sure they were in the market for a 4-year-old apprentice, no? 

He was not about to sit still after that.  The determination in that child is relentless and he was bound and determined to get his way.  Anthony took him to the car before they even had a chance to sing to him.  I had actually forgotten that they were going to sing until an entire herd of waiters/waitresses marched over to our table with a tiny scoop of ice cream and a candle.  So, we had them sing to B instead.  His birthday was only a couple weeks ago and we never did sing to him so it worked out.  And B thought he was pretty big stuff!  I was able to snap one pic before switching to video and catching him blow out the candle.  You’ll see the look of pride on his face (in the video).

And just because I know you’re dying to know what we all got… ;)

Anthony and I shared Tracy’s Peanut Butter Cup (it’s to die for!)

K – Cake Batter,  A – Chocolate Peanut Butter,  H – Bubble Gum (a classic!)

And of course the aforementioned cheese fries and chicken fingers.  We were all starving after Temple Square!

C’s Birthday Post

And now he’s 4.  Time flies and I’m getting left in the DUST! 

The only thing my little man wanted to do for his birthday was go to Temple Square.  I really don’t know why because I’m pretty sure that he had no clue what it really was.  I think he thought he’d be able to go inside.  All I know is that he’s been asking to go for months now. 

So, we met up with anyone that could make it.  We invited everyone but only my family showed up (Mom, Dad, Kortney, Parker) and one of Anthony’s sisters, Anne, and her family.  Not sure why everyone else didn’t make it but we had fun anyway. 

We decided to hit the Church History Museum first thinking that C would enjoy that a little better than Temple Square itself.  Turns out, we were wrong. 

He had fun but he just kept asking when we were going to Temple Square. 

So off we went.  But first I had to get a few pics in front of the Museum.  He was in love with this little flower he picked before anyone could stop him.  He carried it around the rest of the day.

Ok, so he badly needs a haircut and I’m not the best at editing my photos yet.  Still working on that. Oh, and the outfit… it was his birthday.  I let him choose even if I did plan on taking pics.  Sigh!  He’s 4.

Once at Temple Square, C was on cloud nine!  He thought he was big stuff when we told him we had entered the grounds.  He started marching his excited march.  You’d have to see it to know what I’m talking about.  I guess you might call it a cross between a march and a strut. 

All in all I think C had a great day!  After leaving Temple Square we headed to Leatherby’s… only the BEST ice cream place in the entire world!!  I only took pics on my phone there because I didn’t want to risk my sixth child new camera getting all sticky and icky. 

When I asked C some questions to document his favorites, this is how he answered:

Favorite Movie:  2 of them (I would say it’s probably Horton Hears a Who… at least right now.)

Favorite TV Show:  How ‘bout Cat in the Hat (he’s only seen it once)

Favorite Food:  Um, I like pasghetti (we had just eaten it for dinner… and he never eats much of it)

Favorite Color:  Orange (it’s the only color he’s got down pat!)

 

Guess who’s 2!! (B’s birthday post)

Someone turned two over the weekend… I can’t believe my baby is two!  He’s been such a blessing to our family.

 

This kid has shown signs of being a jokester from the time that he started to develop a personality.  It has proven to be true as he’s grown and I love it!  He’s definitely a handful and keeps me on my toes.  He keeps all of us in stitches most of the time.  B loves to laugh and make others laugh along with him.  I can’t wait to watch his personality develop even further. 

I know the picture below is blurry but it was just too cute not to include.  It shows just a tiny smidge of the prankster in him.  And yes, he is surrounded by rags and floor coverings because we are in the process of painting our dining room.

And even though the little stinker has entered into the terrible 2’s, I just have to say that I will take a 2 year old over a 3 year old ANY day!  I think 3 is much tougher than 2. 

We love you B!  Happy Birthday!

(Now just 2 more birthdays in March… all the boys.  Us girls all get our own month [selfish?] but Anthony, C, and B all get to share March.  No party yet.  It’s coming.)

A’s Birthday Post

Last week A turned eight.  Do you know what that means?  It means that we have a baptism coming up very soon.  Soon, as in, New Year’s Eve soon! 

Yes, we’re slightly crazy but we are trying to accommodate for a certain sister of Anthony’s who will be in town.  Except that she informed me the other day that she may leave before that day. 

Um, all I can say is, she better not!!  She made a fuss about us doing it while she’s here (along with her husband and kids) and New Year’s Eve isn’t exactly ideal for us so… Penny, you’re not goin’ anywhere, my friend!!  ;)

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A woke on her birthday to the breakfast of her choice…

They choose sugary cereals as a ‘special breakfast’ because we don’t keep it on hand very often. 

Her party was the following night and we all had a lot of fun.  There were several people that weren’t able to make it… WHAT THE HECK?  Do they think it’s Christmas time or somethin’?  Nobody’s busy or anything….

The kids decorated gingerbread houses.  Not really, they were only graham cracker houses.  I asked a couple of cousins of mine to help contribute to the candy assortment because this is usually a tradition we do with our kids all together at some point during the season.  This year, the night it was planned, my kids were sick so we rescheduled for A’s party.  It works! 

Aren’t they beautiful? 

On to the cake(s).  THIS is the type of cake you get when you have a December birthday. 

I tried to get her to celebrate in November, before all the festivities but she refused.  Something about it not feeling like her birthday.  Fair enough!

She blew all her candles out in one breath… several times.  Gotta love trick candles!  And all her cousins, siblings and friends helped out after the first three attempts.  None of the adults wanted cake after that.  I can’t imagine why.

Lucky for them, I had a backup plan!  Besides, the first cake was WAY too small for everyone. 

Cupcakes were served alongside the Peppermint Fudge ice cream.  Ever tried it?  I think it’s new, and delicious!!

And this is how C decided to consume his cupcake…

**Sigh** I just don’t know what to do with that boy! ~

I haven’t had a moment to interview A like I did for K, yet.  It’s on my list!  I’ll add it once it’s done.  Holiday birthdays are so finicky! 

For now, I just want to tell you that A is a special little gal.  She really is.  Fire and ice!!  She’s a very stubborn and headstrong little thing.  Sometimes she’s hard to reason with but I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the whole wide world. 

A is beautiful inside and out.  She made me a mom for the second time and for that, I am so grateful!  I don’t know where I would be without her.

I love you B-Boat (Don’t ask)!

 

“I needa go potty!”

I really hope we can still be friends after this post. 

I had a nice Christmas-y post planned for today but when my kids give me something blog worthy (in other words, something I want to remember), I’ve just got to go with it.  Christmas tomorrow… I promise!!

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Today (Monday) was my mother-in-law’s birthday… Happy Birthday to her!  She invited everyone over for chili and cornbread.  As we were waiting for the chili to finish cooking, Anthony and his dad decided to go to Lowe’s for some materials they needed for my in-law’s basement that Anthony is currently working on. 

Anthony offered to take C with him.  I am not one to argue ;)

When they got back, C came running in telling me that he had ‘peed in the potty at the store!’

Indeed, he had… Anthony took pictures to prove it.  Although, I couldn’t figure out why this was so significant.  He’s been potty trained for quite some time.

Then I heard the full story from Anthony and his dad (who could not stop laughing, by the way)!

C had told them twice, “I needa go potty!”

Apparently the plea fell on deaf ears.  But no matter, C found his own potty while Anthony was 2 aisles away and Grandpa couldn’t keep up. 

**The zoomed out version of the first picture**

That’s right… he peed in one of the display toilets… at Lowe’s! 

I was mortified upon hearing the news.  The first question I asked was “Did you at least tell someone?” 

Yes, Anthony told someone.  He claimed to know that would be the first question I would ask. 

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So, was that just too much?  Are we still friends?

In all fairness, he’s 3.  He has no idea that he did anything wrong.  That’s what makes it so funny to me!

Blog Prompt Blog Hop #3 & a 90th Birthday

Thank you to all of you that have participated in the other two blog hops I’ve hosted.  Hopefully we’ll start getting more participants soon.  Don’t be shy, friends! 

Remember, link up to your actual post, not your main URL.  Also, please link to this blog hop so others might join in. 

You can do one, two or all three.  And hey, you can even do it in one, two, or three different posts!

This week’s prompts are:

1. Talk about some memories you have of your grandparents (or a particular grandparent) growing up.


2. What makes you laugh?


3. Tell about any church callings or positions you’ve held.  Did you enjoy that/those callings? (Could be adapted for any religion.)

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My plan is to do all three this week but we’ll see ;). 

For now, I’m going to talk about my sweet Grandma who just turned 90!  I have never been to a 90th birthday party.  I wouldn’t be surprised if I get to attend a 100th birthday party in 10 years.

I’m tellin’ you, my Grandma is like SuperWoman!  Her mind is sharp as a tack still and she even drives… still… at 90!  Does that weird anyone else out?  She only drives during the day but still.  That’s insane, no? 

I can only hope to age as gracefully as she has.  And to have a mind as keen as hers still is at her age would be such a blessing.

Just look at her.  She doesn’t look a day over 80 ;)

{Ok, so I’m not photogenic, I swear I didn’t look that ridiculous.}

Some of my favorite memories include fun things I did with that side of the family growing up.  And there is a distinct smell that brings me back to those days at Grandma’s house.  I can’t really describe what the smell is, it’s not exactly a pleasant smell but it reminds me of Grandma’s house every time.  For that reason, I love it! 

Each grandchild was asked to contribute a tribute page on a standard size piece of paper for her birthday book.  Instead of writing a traditional letter, I chose to make a list of the my cherished memories with my grandma.  Not all of them relate directly to her but at least in some way, they tie back to time spent with her (and my grandpa who passed away several years ago) or at her home with cousins.



These memories I will treasure for always.  It’s funny that so many of my memories have to do with food.  I like food, what more can I say? 

 

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Now it’s your turn!

 

 

 

 

Cake Pops {Tutorial}

Have you ever made cake pops?  If not, I’m sure you’ve at least seen them around.  I’ve wanted to make them now for a couple of years but never had until K’s birthday party over the weekend.  She really wanted them as her ‘cake’ so I decided it was time I give it a go.

 

Let me just tell you… they’re a LOT of work!!  I looked up several different tips online to ensure that they turned out well, and they did, for the most part.  We had our occasional casualty here and there but I think the next time I make them I’ll give myself a whole day’s head start!  Doing it the day of was a little stressful and we didn’t have quite enough time to chill the pops before coating them in chocolate – which was the cause of said casualties. 

Are they worth the effort?  Absolutely, but they’re not the easiest things in the world.  Before making them I thought, I’ll make these for Halloween, Christmas, birthdays, and every other major holiday!  Now I’m thinking not so much. 

They’re fun and way cute. If you haven’t made them before, you should try it. 

The first thing you’ll need to do is make a cake.  Grab any flavor of cake mix you desire and make it according to package directions.  K wanted strawberry cake pops so we went with a strawberry cake mix. 



Let the cake cool completely before doing anything else.  This could take a few hours.  Once it’s cooled, place it in a large bowl in chunks.  I know it’s hard to see that beautiful cake dumped into such an ugly heap.



Now crumble it up with your hands.  Crumble, crumble, crumble.



Add about half of a container of frosting (choose one that complements your cake flavor- we used strawberry frosting) and mix it up with your cake crumbles.  You’ll probably have to get messy and use your hands.  I would have taken a pic to prove that I did so myself but do you know how hard it is to take a picture while covered in cake and frosting?  My camera would NOT have thanked me!



Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and shape the cake mixture into several small balls.  Roll them tight!  Depending on the size, you should get anywhere from 30-50 pops. 



Now you’ll need some sucker sticks (bigger ones) from the baking section of your craft store (or Wal-Mart).  I sent Anthony to the store for me and he came home with the BIGGEST ones.  I think I would use some that are slightly smaller next time. 

Melt some Candy Melts in the microwave for 30 seconds.  Stir.  If it’s not quite ready, microwave another 30 seconds and then in 10-15 second intervals after that, stirring each time until it’s melted.



Dip the sticks in the melted chocolate then push the sticks into the cake balls. 





Place either in a block of craft foam or a cake pop holder (that’s what I have but I recommend either having another one or using a couple of blocks of foam – the holes were too close together in the cake pop holder).  Another option is to just lay them on a cookie sheet or large plate and place in the fridge for SEVERAL hours!  You could do the freezer if you’re in a pinch for time. 



Once they’re chilled, melt a package of Candy Melts in a double boiler or your own makeshift double boiler {pan with shallow simmering water and heatproof bowl on top).  Candy Melts come in LOTS of different colors at craft stores.  If you can only find white (or are using regular white chocolate chips) you can color them with food coloring but Do NOT use the water-based food coloring.  Use gel.  Water will ruin your chocolate… even just a drop!!



The melted chocolate may be a little too thick for coating your pops so to thin it out a bit, you can use a tablespoon or two of shortening.  I used coconut oil because I don’t usually have shortening on hand. 

Coat your pops in the melted chocolate.  Some tips I read suggested spooning the chocolate on for a smoother finish but I found that to be harder and it made them look messier.  If the spoon method works for you, great!  I just kind of rolled my pops in the chocolate until it was evenly coated.  This is where we had a few mishaps.  Ours didn’t have enough time in the fridge.  But most of them turned out just fine. 



K had the privilege of decorating them.  She sat with her 6 dipping bowls full of different sugars and sprinkles, ready for each chocolate covered pop I handed her.  She loved doing that. 



And there you have it!  We refrigerated them again after finishing just to be sure that the chocolate hardened and no more would fall off. 



 

 

 

Oh Smurfette,

I've missed you so.... Where have you been all these years? 

Tell me it's not the coolest bag you've ever seen.  I dare ya! 

Tie Dye (Rainbow?) Cupcakes

What do you do when it's the night before your daughter's birthday party and you still haven't decided what kind of cake (or cupcakes) to make for your guests? 

Grab a cake mix, right?  Right!  Because I'm too cheap to buy a cake from the bakery.  Who needs 'em?  I mean really, it's just a couple layers of deliciousness flour, water and sugar with a delightful plain ol' fruity layer of something or other in the middle and a divine overly sweet whipped cream or buttercream frosting.  Cake mix is sooo much better than that!  (It helps to try and convince yourself of that.)

Well, I wanted something different.  I wanted to do something fun with the cake mix.  After all, in a time crunch, I didn't have time to whip up my own whole cake.  It HAD to be mix. 

But then, I was reading a blog that I love and saw this cake and decided that was what I needed to do only in cupcake form.  My daughter would LOVE it. 

So, we set to work.  Here's what we did...

First of all, you'll make either a white or yellow cake mix according to box instructions.  We used yellow but I imagine using a white mix would make the colors even more vivid. 

 

Then you'll divide the batter into 4, 5, or 6 bowls... depending on how many colors you want. 



Color each bowl of batter a different color with food coloring.  I highly recommend the paste/gel food coloring, not the watery liquid kind.  The colors are much better with the paste/gel.  It can be found at Wal-Mart (if you're not Anthony) in the craft section or in craft stores such as Michaels... Wilton brand. 



Dip a toothpick into the food coloring and swirl it into the batter.  Then stir the batter with a spoon to get it all incorporated.  If you need to add more color, use a clean toothpick to add it. 

Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and spray with non-stick spray. 

 

Now start adding colored batter to each cup a spoonful at a time.  Use as many colors as you want for each cupcake until it is 2/3 of the way full.  This part gets very messy with 'helpers'!  But they sure had a fun time.  Once they're all full, bake according to cake mix instructions. 





In the meantime, you've got a whole lot of dishes to do. 



Perform the handy dandy toothpick test to make sure they are done and pull them out of the oven... unless the toothpick told you they weren't done.  In that case, don't pull them out just yet.  ;)

And now you've got colorful, fun cupcakes and a house full happy, giddy children.  If only the store would have had Play-doh ice cream in stock. 

 

Once they've cooled, you can frost them (preferably in white so the colors still hold the WOW factor once bit into).  My daughter just had to add sprinkles and colored sugar to them. 





Aren't they fun?!  Everyone at the party was impressed.