Kool-Aid Playdough… Thanks Emmy Mom!

I got this recipe from Emmy Mom, bookmarked it, and finally made it!  It’s going to be a Christmas gift for Monkey, and he’s going to love it!  I’m so excited! I ran out of salt before I made it in all the colors I wanted (green and pink). It was so simple I will probably get to making it again sooner than later!  I mentioned the playdough on my facebook status, and had a few inquiries. So here it is!

Koolaid Playdough
1 Cup white flour
1 Cup water
1/4 Cup salt
3 T. Vegetable oil
1 (heaping) T. cream of tartar (essential for good texture)
1 package Kool-aid (generic brand works great)
Mix all together in a medium sauce pan and whisk until smoothish. Cook and stir constantly over medium heat until dough starts to gather into a ball (takes 2-4 minutes). Remove from pan and knead  (when cool enough) until it looks like playdough. It's ready!

You wont find a recipe for playdough that doesn’t require Cream of Tartar (I know, I looked. It’s not something I happened to have!) So, just go get some. It’s with the spices and it’s white. I’m not telling you this because I think you’re an idiot by any means… I’m telling you this because I had no idea what I was looking for what I went to buy some. Now I know. And if you didn’t, now you know too. :)

Happy Play Doughing!

My Christmas Hat

For the first 2 years that Cameron and I were married he traveled every week, all over the  country. Being the thoughtful husband he is, he would often come home bearing a gift. ;) After an event in Anaheim, California – he brought home for me, a light blue, Tinkerbell “santa” hat.  I absolutely adore this hat. I wear it as often as possible between Thanksgiving and Christmas… and not only it is darling, it’s exceptionally cozy and warm! Something I have recently noticed about this hat is that little girls love it! I sometimes forget it’s on my noggin’ and just assume little girls are staring at me because I’m breathtakingly beautiful… hahaha… but before the thought really has a chance to take hold they shyly tell me, “I like your hat…” Oh! Right! My cute Tinkerbell hat! I like it too! :)

This picture was taken for Cam 3 years ago just  before the Holidays while he was away… and obviously I was pregnant. This was with my first. (After our first son was born, Cam changed departments with that company so he wouldn’t have to travel anymore).  My good ol’ hat. Have I mentioned that I love it!?

These were taken last week. Still rockin’ the Tinkerbell hat! That’s my niece giving it a try… :)

That’s the story of my hat! I suppose that  can kind of be considered a type of tradition… so throw that in there!

6 More Days and Counting!!!!!

One More Week

Really? Only one more week until Christmas Morning? This is one of the best parts of Christmas! The anticipation,Holiday get-togethers,  last minute-shopping (admit it, you love it!), neighbor gifts and enjoying the lights while they are still up! The week before Christmas is my favorite!! I will try to remember to take pictures of a few of the things I’ve made and post them AFTER Christmas so I wont give anything away… :) Enjoy Your Weekend!!!

I wasn't gonna... but I have to!

This one had me cracking up! If you missed it, here it is!

How to have fun in that white, wet, freezing cold stuff Part 2 of 2

Now that we’re toasty warm (except for my nose… any suggestions for that?) and ready to be outside with the rest of the family… we need to be prepared for fun.

Here are some links to resources I have located for fun ideas of things to do in the snow (mostly kid-friendly).

 

• Seven Snow Games
• 20 Games to Play in the Snow
• Play in the Snow, Fun for Kids
• Snow Ice Cream Recipe
• Make it a Snow Play
• Creative Ways for Kids to Enjoy Snow Play

My favorite idea is putting colored water in spray bottles and spraying the snow! That just sounds like so much fun and something I never would have thought up myself!

I also want to make a huge snow…. SOMETHING!  How cool is  that dinosaur? And that SNOWMAN!!!

 

So now that you have an idea of how to have FUN in the snow…

GO DO IT!

Then come back and tell me all about it! Plus, I can always use more ideas!

How to have fun in that white, wet, freezing cold stuff Part 1 of 2

Winter is my least favorite season and if it weren’t for Christmas I would have absolutely no reason to even be open-minded about Winter. But HELLO I live in UTAH! It feels like winter for approximately HALF OF A YEAR! I can either moan and groan and be miserable… 

Or I can find some ways to enjoy it. The snow, that is.

First rule of thumb came from a friend/neighbor who is originally from Upstate New York. Apparently, it’s even colder there. Whatever. Cold is cold. But she made a really great point in response to one of my anti-snow Facebook statuses a while ago. Paraphrasing, she told me, to learn to layer because “Nothing beats the spirit (of winter) like being cold”. Words of Wisdom! I think I’m going to get this quote in vinyl lettering to put on my door. Hahaha… not. Okay, maybe.

So rule #1, Get the right stuff to stay warm in the snow!

• Long sleeve shirt? check.
• Sweater? Check.
• Big, warm snow jacket? check.
• Beanie/warm hat? check.
• Scarf? check.
• Snow pants? check. (These have to be waterproof or they don’t count.  These can also be called “bibs” I have learned. You might feel like a farmer but these things work warm, toasty miracles!)
• Two pairs of socks? check.
• Snow shoes/boots? check. (Again, these have to be pretty water-proof, my skater-style DCs do not count! Neither to my knee-high faux leather boots!)
• Gloves? check. (One (or 2) pairs of those thin cotton kind to go under the water-proof snow kind).
• You also may want to consider earmuffs if your hat doesn’t cover ‘em up.

Alrighty. Once I actually had the right clothing to keep my warm I became open minded to exploring the possibilities of PLAYING outside in the snow… and maybe even enjoying myself. Yes, it’s a hassle to layer especially when it’s me + 2, but we’re working on the “system” and it is getting easier. oh yes, and you should probably make a bathroom run BEFORE you have 4 or 5 layers of clothing on…

To be continued…

Positive Changes

“Don’t let your past dictate who you are, but let it be a part of who you become.” –Learning to Love the Journey

I have discovered so many wonderful, empowering sources that really have helped me to take control of my life and situations. Our lives are what we make them. What we think about is what we attract. There is only one thing that can limit you from reaching your dreams and full potential -  YOU. The way you think can either lead you to happiness and success or depression and failure. Did you know it is possible to change your thought patterns and by doing so, change you life?! It’s true!

A few of the sources I have discovered that have helped me be a happier, more peaceful person are:

• Louise Hay’s “Love Yourself, Heal Your Life Workbook”
• Louise Hay’s  “Heal Your Body”
• Carol Tuttle’s “It’s Just My Nature”
• Carol Tuttle’s Online Energy Profiling Course
• Char Ravelo & Tobbie Tuttle’s “Learning to Love The Journey”

And developing friendships with positive people who are honest with themselves, are willing to forgive me and look past my imperfections, help me develop  my talents and encourage me to be the best person I can be!

You Can Do Hard Things

I don’t know about you – but sometimes things just suck. Both things within your control and things beyond your control…  sometimes it’s a fight to get through the day! It’s usually not the children, sometimes it is the husband, usually its finances or dealing with other peoples’ choices. Sometimes it’s yourself. You know what you feel like doing about it, what other people expect you to do about it, and what the right thing to do about it is. Usually, those three things do not coincide. I love the quote in Harry Potter when Dumbledore tells Harry “You must make the choice between what is right and what is easy” (or something to that effect). I think there is much truth in this statement. Rarely, if ever, is the best path the easy path. And I’ll tell you right now,

You Can Do Hard Things!

Yes. You can. You can! You can! You can! Don’t you ever forget that! I think every family should have this up somewhere in their home. It is when we do hard things that we grow as individuals and really get a glimpse of our full potential. You. Are. Amazing!

"Nap-Time!"

Sometimes I feel like an MMA fighter. Minus the hitting, blood and KOs. I don't think I would do well in that industry.  Nope, I wouldn't do well at all! But I can hold my own against my almost-3-year old and his teammate, my 18-month-old, at  the same time. I'm trying to get them to settle down, and they think we're playing. Finally it's time for someone to tap out. 9 out of 10 times I win. Where's my champion belt?! I think I deserve one.

Facebook.

You wanna know why I haven't been blogging? Facebook. That's why! It's not just connecting with old and current friends anymore... it's Restaurant City, Sorority Life, Bejeweled Blitz, Fish World, Word Challenge, Zoo World, Happy Aquarium, Pet Society... it's BAD! And I'm so guilty.

Anyone else have this problem?

Holiday Traditions

Life just keeps on going day by day whether I'm ready for it or not. The sun rises when my body is not yet rested. The sun goes down when I am not yet ready to end my day. Day after day after day. I really dislike how short the days feel this time of year! But I am excited for my absolutely most favorite holiday of the year! Yes, that would be Christmas!

We keep it simple around here. My almost-3-year-old doesn't expect much and my 18-month-old probably doesn't even remember last year's! We're trying to  start traditions now to keep things simple in the future! At this age, my boys are more interested in unwrapping everything then actually receiving gifts. I love the simplicity of children. I could wrap empty boxes and they would be thrilled! Hm. Maybe I will...

I also make cheese balls and share them with our friends and neighbors! If you're really lucky, maybe I'll share the recipe! :D  My mom made them every year and it's something I always looked forward to. Now, I do the same and my husband looks forward to them!

My husband's birthday is on the 23rd of December and Monkey Man's is on the 28th! It's an exceptionally busy month!

What are  some traditions you have for the holidays?

A few of my favorites...

I know I haven't been consistently blogging, but I thought you might like these. If you don't follow Team-Twilight.com (and like the Saga) you should be. I love these images from a photo shoot Kristen, Taylor and Rob did. One day I will be taking photos of celebrities!

And this one just makes me smile!

Enjoying the Outdoors...

We got a little fresh air. Cold, crisp, cold, fresh air. The guys/boys loved it! I enjoyed it too. It was nice to be out of the house doing something different and spontaneous. I'm glad I brought my camera along (believe it or not, I don't always). My babies are growing right before my eyes!

         

Balance vs. Harmony

I find myself claiming that I want balance in my life. But in 25 years I have not been able to accomplish that. I've recently realized that what I really want in my life is harmomy. I may never have all the aspects of my life balanced (meaning they are all equal), but if they are all in harmony and do not cause discontent in my life, that is what I want.

There are four main aspects in our lives that we generally try to "balance": Social, Physical, Educational (Mental), and Spiritual.

More specifically in my life, I want harmony between these different aspects of my life:
Family
Church
ME
Friends/Family
Work
Home/House

Breaking those down even more specifically:
Family = Healthy relationships with Husband, children, bro-in-laws
Church = Responsibilities, Spirituality
Friends/Family = building, strengthening healthy relationships with by visiting/writing/calling
Work/Income = Cam's work, Photography, MaryKay
Home/House = daily straightening, deep cleaning, meals, environment
ME= ALL OF THESE THINGS!

What does your list look like? I'd bet it looks pretty similar.

Now that I have things written out, I will have to break them down even more. And find out which things are not in harmony and how I will change them so they can be.

Super Saturday

What does "Super Saturday" mean to you? I think of a super cleaning saturday. A super day to clean the house, cars, mow the lawn... if you're giggling to yourself right now, it is very possible that are an LDS woman that is thinking about a Relief Society Activity...

I don't know where it originated from or how wide-spread this yearly tradition is, but right now we are planning ours. What are some successful projects you have seen or done? This is one that I am really hoping we are able to do:

(U Create)

On another note: Because MaryKay is a huge part of my life right now, and I think about it A LOT, I'm going to start talking/blogging about it. I've been trying to separate blogging and MaryKay - but that leaves me with little else to blog about because THAT is what is on my mind! So if you're not a big fan of MaryKay, I'm not going to apologize, I'm just going to ask you to stick with me and pretend you care! AIIGHT?!

Great Quote...

"The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity. "

-Margaret D. Nadauld

Finally - I see it!

You may or may not know (or care) that I am not a fan of Rob Pattinson as Edward Cullen in the Twilight Saga. Which is the root of my "Team Jacob" attitude. (If it were only based on the books, to be completely honest, I am definitely torn, but am happy with the outcome). That being said...

I finally came across an image that I really really like. I finally see a connection between RPatt and the Edward in my mind...

Here it is. Tell me what you think!


See 100 New Moon stills HERE.

Re: PINK

Have you ever had a fun evening with your girlfriends that make you feel like you're young and fun again? Well, that was that night. After an evening of girlfriend time, my husband and boys were having so much fun doing whatever boys do that I had some free time! The house to myself... dressed up and nowhere to go...

So what did I do?

I put on some PCD, Beyonce, Brittany and was a Rock Star. It was silly. It would have been embarrassing if anyone had seen me... but it was a BLAST! I used to do that sort of thing all the time when I was in my pre-teens and teens... but it's honestly been YEARS and it felt GOOD! haha. I've still got it. But you are never going to see it! No sirree. And then what did I do after I was feeling young, hip and pretty? I had a little photo shoot of myself... with my trustee iphone. So. Professional. (not.)

I'll be honest, I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight (#2 pregnancy) and it feels great! It feels good to like what I see. It feels good to know that my husband likes what he sees. It feels good to know that I could probably be a rock star if I sold my soul - but I won't. I am happy being a mom. I am happy being a wife. I am happy being me.

It was fun while it lasted. It was a self-esteem booster. But I know that true happines doesn't come from good looks and hot moves. It doesn't come from being desired or loved by the world.
My happiness is rooted in my healthy marriage. It's rooted in having the knowledge I have of the bigger plan. It is rooted in knowing what is truly important. It is rooted in making choice NOW that will bring me eternal joy beyond this life.

Funny how something so silly had such a lesson behind it!

PINK

I'll have to save this story for later... it's a good one.

JAM Wedding...

How stinkin' cute is THIS?!?! (I just adore Pam and Jim!)... you tried to put it up here, but's not letting me :( so go HERE! Until I figure it out...

A free moment...

And by "free" I mean, my babies are sleeping soundly and The Teens and my Dear Husband (a.k.a. "DH") are making a Walmart run for me (I dearly despise Walmarts on Saturday Nights in Utah County...) and I am not "working". My Thank You notes are sent, my products delivered, my checkbooks balanced, my PJs on, and the house is silent. It's a rare occasion, people. I am cherishing the chance I have to think and let my thoughts drift in and out of the weeks happenings... and blogging!

Did I mention I team-teach the 4 year olds in Sunday school? I do, and it's fun. I teach tomorrow and should be preparing... so I suppose I am stealing this free time. Consider is stolen. I am also on the Enrichment Committee. I am looking forward to the next activity!

Mary Kay is rocking my socks. I am working on finding a balance that will allow me to be successful, yet not keep me from my family. We have settled with 2 parties a week + one night of Training. That's one thing I love it that I CAN set my own schedule. It's GREAT! On top of the temporal rewards that everyone can see, are emotional and psychological rewards that are nearly impossible to describe. I love who I am becoming, I'll just say that much! And I don't know how I have gone without Microdermabrasion treatments my whole life!

My boys just keep growing up. Monkey's latest favorite has been Blue's Clues. I didn't realize he was actually learning so much until he found a clock face and told me which one was the big arm and which one was the small arm. I asked him what time it was and he told me "Nine O'Clock." close enough, buddy. And he loves hearing the stories of the Three Little Pigs, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. He is such a sweetie and is very protective of his brother and is constantly looking out for him and keeping an eye on him. I love it. He is such a great First Born!

Turtle is just a little teddy bear! He's exceptionally cuddly and absolutely adores his brother. It melts my heart. He loves to laugh and has been picking up signs pretty quickly lately. He picked up "more", "please", "candy" and "thank you" as quickly as he realized he could make the motions. I loves making hand motions for different songs and whatnot. I'm pretty sure he does it so eagerly because he sees his brother doing it. What an influence they have on one another already!

DH is getting a pedicure and foot massage tonight... as soon as he gets back with a few things we need for tomorrow! Unless I fall asleep first... lol... that wouldn't make him too happy! It happens ALL THE TIME... It's hard to keep my eye lids open! And I'm just so exhausted... but know I probably wont even get a good night's sleep...

If you missed it...!!!

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Forget Halloween...

The mornings have been pretty cool the fast couple of weeks... which means Fall is just around the corner... which means Christmas is going to come and go before I know it! I LOVE Christmas! I'm excited about possibly/hopefully having a White Christmas this year. And is that is the only day it snowed - EVEN BETTER!! hahaha...

I would listen to Christmas music all year long if it didn't bother my Dear Husband... and anyone else who might be around to hear it.

I'm sitting around watching my kids, husband, brother and brothers-in-law hanging out enjoying each others company and getting along... and it's pretty much THE BEST feeling.

I want the "holidays" to start already. Well, maybe we'll just go ahead and start it around here!

I'm sure I can find some fun projects... because ya'll have the best blogs for that kinda stuff!!

soon enough...

Finished reading New Moon again, and sheesh! I'm super DUPER (yes I just said super duper) excited to see how New Moon plays out on the big screen! I have high hopes for this one, and just love this story! Anywho. I'm absolutely team Jacob in New Moon. Plus Taylor Lautner reminds me of another stunning man, who I am desperately in love with..

.

Are you sick of hearing about how much I love my husband? Too bad. ;) I think I can convince him to go to the midnight showing with me... but we'll see. That would be so perfect!

Tumbling around in my mind...

As I was just going to type "I wish I had something interesting to tell ya'll"... I thought of, like, 20 things that I could share.

First thing on my mind this morning... remember the Nelson Family? Well, sweet baby Lucas passed away this week in the arms of his family. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Death is something I did not deal well with at all. Until my brother died. You would think since he was so close, it would be the hardest to deal with. I'm not going to lie, it was no picnic, and it really sucked. But I surprised myself at how well I "dealt" with it. I KNOW  the reason I dealt with it so well is because we had so many family members and friends praying for us. The experience was incredibly spiritual and peaceful. Heartbreaking, but peaceful. There must have been angels with their arms around me (and my immediate family) holding my insides together and my heart from breaking into a million pieces. It was because of the prayers and faith of those who cared about my family that I was able to function and let my faith in a Loving Father in Heaven carry me through the weeks.

This is what we can do for the Nelson Family.

I've been holding my babies a little longer. Telling them "I love you" a few more times a day. Letting them get away with the little things that have no eternal consequence (which, let's be honest, at 2 is pretty much everything). It is much more important for them to know that I love them unconditionally than whether or not he makes a mess - again. For the teenagers it is more important for them to know that we want to trust them and communicate with them, than if they are 15 minutes late, or forget to load the dishwasher. I don't have the energy to be angry, at all! At least not longer than it takes to take a few deep breaths.

I don't know what the point is, I'm just putting my thoughts out there... well, not "on paper".... just out there.

Let your kids blow bubbles in their milk. Let them talk for a few more minutes on the phone. Let them dump out all the legos on the floor, and talk with your child as you both clean them up! Go out on a one-on-one with him/her and get to know your child! Instead of spanking or yelling- hug (that would really throw them off and make an impression!!) Don't let anger motivate you to clean your home. Don't let anger be the reason you're yelling at your child, instead of cheering him on!

I'm not trying to tell you how to parent. I'm just encouraging you to stop being angry and hug, forgive, hug... forgive and hug! :)  Don't assume your family knows how you feel - Make sure your family knows you love them. We really don't know when we will have to say goodbye. 

Meet The TEENS...

Since they are going to be a part of our family for a while, I figured it is blog-worthy and I KNOW you want to "meet" them! Plus I just love showing them off!

M:

He's the strong silent type. Ridiculously talented in... well, everything! Sports, dancing,  music... you name it he can do it. And if he can't - give him a minute to figure it out and he'll pretty much blow your mind. 

T:

Our social bug, he's happy-go lucky, and always smiling! He's just so dang optimistic and positive... except if his plans get changed and he can't hang out with his friends... he'll be a sour puss for a minute, but it doesn't take him long to really make the best of his situation! He's super athletic and fast!

They are way fun to have around. They are easy-going, helpful and all around good kids (guys?). They are great uncles and great brothers! We're glad they're back with us!

Now. Where can I sign them up for some professional modeling/acting?!

Self-Awareness.

When was the last time you "grew" as a person? Like really truly had your eyes opened and saw the world differently?! Did you realize that you really don't know much and had your mind opened to the possibilities for growth? Did you get butterflies in your stomach just thinking  about all the goodness in the world that could obtain?

When was the last time you accomplished something? Something you really weren't sure you could, but did! Did that open your mind to the things it had been closed to? Did your heart leap within you just thinking about all the things you knew you could do if you put your mind and heart into it? 

The world is yours for the taking.

I'm taking it.

Just playin' at home...

Here are a few pictures I took of my boys playing around at home... I needed some recent ones of them! Monkey Man was happy to jump off of the couches, climb on the stairs and do his animal impressions. I can hardly believe he will be three in 4 short months! They really are buddies and Turtle is exceptionally patient and tolerant of Monkey's  constant rough housing and bugging... but he doesn't seem to mind one bit... in fact he loves it and is constantly laughing at his big brother! (Unless, it's a "sharp" pain, he doesn't complain much.) I truly love these boys and can't imagine my life without them!

    

Please Pray for the Nelson Family

Please Pray for the Nelson family. I use to be in their ward/lived in the same neighborhood, and have been following their blog. Today brought devastating news that their 8 month old only has weeks left to live after fighting cancer. You can read their story HERE. There's not much to say, but my heart is full and goes out to them. Please keep them in your prayers...

Can't wait!

Can't wait to see this kid's face in a few hours!

That's my brother who's coming to visit!!!! He's the bomb-diggity and we're gonna have us some fun!  I miss my sibs so much! Only 3 more to get out here! :D

Exhale...

Alrighty! I think I have my life under enough control that I can commit to blogging again! The TEENS are in school. The BABIES are happily entertained. And here I am, sitting at my laptop checking out the people who are checking me out (I do that) and have found some new followers and readers! It's oh so exciting that even though I've been a BLOGGING SLACKER you still love me... well, my blog anyway!

Some random thoughts I've been wanting to share with you...
*How does Walmart get so crazy!? I think they should take my $ and put in some traffic lights. Or something!
* Teenage boys eat. ALOT!
* I do love a full house. And I thoroughly enjoy the quiet moments. Esepcially if the babies are sleeping!
* Did I tell you that I finally watched Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? I can't remember. Well, I did and I LOVED it!
* My side businesses are picking up and it's so exciting! But a little intimidating.
* When are they going to have a Blogging Convention here in UTAH? For real! Who do I need to talk to to get that party started?!
* Why do I have this need to always have a HUGE project to work on?
* How did I land such a sexy husband? That attribute wasnt even on my list of wants! Go ahead and gag, but he's hott!

* I still haven't potty trained my 2 1/2 year old... and don't care.

* I'm totally into Thank You cards right now!
* I discovered Provo Crafts. What a gem!
* I don't have any time to craft.
* My home is mostly in order and I love it. It feels pretty cozy.
* My home is not cozy when it's a mess. Which it usually is after 2pm.
* I have finally put music on my iPhone. My current favorite is Beyonce's Halo.

It's going to be a good day, today!

A Giveaway.... but not mine!

I really really want a fair chance at winning these babies... 250 customized 5x7 cards! So here you go... give me another entry, Carolyn! :D

School Started

School started last week. That shouldn't have meant a thing to me, alas we inherited (haha, that's so not the right word!) two teenage boys the weekend before and now we're on the public school's schedule. I guess it's not so bad!

It's going just fine, all things considered. Adjusting: yes. Succeeding: time will tell. I really think this change will be a good one.

Being a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and a Photographer has been keeping me happily busy enough. There is something truly satisfying to have my own accomplishments and successes. Life is Good.

I read New Moon again. I could hardly stand to put it down. It amazes me how incredibly sucked in I got... again! Needlesstoday - I am giddy for the release of the movie version on November 20th! Did I mention that DH got me the series for my birthday? He did. And he's the best!

We will be visiting our wonderful friends in Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend who just had a beautiful miracle baby boy! :) I have availability on Saturday night (the 5th) for a photo shoot if anyone in the Henderson area is interested!

The boys are good. Monkey is coming up with the silliest lines. Yesterday, he asked me where his uncles went, and I told him they were at school and he responded, "Wow. I didn't even know that! That's crazy!" ... he cracks me up!

I suspect I will be blogging more often! Hopefully, I'll eventually get back to blogging daily - but not promises from me just yet! :)

Hope you all are having a great week!

Big Changes

This has been quite the eventful summer! And by "summer" I mean, everyone else is out of school, though nothing but the weather has really been different for us! However. We had some big things happen this weekend, and will now have DH's 2 youngest brothers (ages 14 & 16) staying with us for a while because some big changes have occurred and we're trying to help with the transition. If you know me, you know they lived with us for over 2 years, and after some hellish disagreements on all sides it all hit the courts... anyway, this will definitely be a more "pleasant" experience all around.

So again, please be patient with me while we adjust to these new circumstances! I will be back soon!

Have you seen this?

Found it on Team-Twilight... so clever! I found it hilarious and entertaining! I think you will too...

Oh. Yes!

Just had to share!!

Opportunities

I have been ridiculously busy as of late. I barely have time to blog... and running 4 blogs takes a lot of work, so I have to rotate my attention to each of them. Many opportunities have come our way this summer, and we're running with them! You may remember this post, and yes, I have become a Beauty Consultant, and its going AMAZING! I can hardly believe it. Among many changes within the extended families and trying to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible before it gets... you know... COLD. (Because in Utah - it gets cold, and stays cold for most of the year. But I do love Fall.)... I've just had to prioritize and blogging has had to take a back burner. :)

Fear not, I will be back.

in the mean time...

My In-Laws.

fascinating new life...

I realized I hadn't shared these photos yet! This giraffe was one day old when I took these! A newborn giraffe! That is not something you see everyday! And it was amazing!  Here are a few of my favorites, but to see more visit my photoblog!

Alicia's Photo Challenge: SHARE!

Hello, hello! Are you ready to share your favorites from last months challenge?! I sure hope so! I'll be completely honest: it may take me a few days to get the next challenge up. But it is coming! To learn more about Alicia's Photo Challenge go HERE.

Okay, so last months challenge was: get familiar with your Post-Editing program, and try some different effects and filters. Learn how to crop your photo. Learn how to increase the contrast and balance it with brightness.

Simple enough. It was hard picking my favorite photo since I do a lot of post-editing! But there was one photo in particular that I loved the results.

This picture was taken when my oldest was 6 months old (about 2 years ago) when we were visiting my family in Hawaii. I wanted to develop it and put it up in our home, so I played with it first. I was amazed how great my skinned looked after a little smudging work on GIMP.

If you participated in the challenge, link up! Remember to visit one another and leave some comment love! It's always a great feeling to have a little support and hear words of encouragement!