The Good Neighbor

A little spiral

2010-09-30T00:31:00.001-07:00

My life feels a little bit out of control right now... ok maybe more than a little. And the only thing I can think to do about it is to start blogging again! Am I crazy too!? ;) But what I'm kind of thinking is that maybe if I can sit down and write every once in a while I can learn to focus again on the things that are important to me. Most days I am obsessing about my business or lack of business and I start to develop anxiety about it. It's important for me to be able to make a living off of what I do, but more importantly it is vital that I make art. And that, along with nurturing my family need to be the first things I think about and maybe the money will follow.

Just need time to center myself.

I want to:
-Host a party very very soon
-make some clothes... I've seen some very creative pieces that I'd like to add to my wardrobe
-make jewelry... instant therapy if I have a vision in mind
-Do one of my special conceptual photo shoots
-make sock dolls for my kids
-find the sewing machine and fabric scissors LOL it's been a long time

A little spiral

2010-09-30T00:31:00.000-07:00

My life feels a little bit our of control right now... ok maybe more than a little. And the only thing I can think to do about it is to start blogging again! Am I crazy too!? ;) But what I'm kind of thinking is that maybe if I can sit down and write every once in a while I can learn to focus again on the things that are important to me. Most days I am obsessing about my business or lack of business and I start to develop anxiety about it. It's important for me to be able to make a living off of what I do, but more importantly it is vital that I make art. And that, along with nurturing my family need to be the first things I think about and maybe the money will follow.

Just need time to center myself.

Clouds: thrifted and stitched

2010-06-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Dear blog readers, I love you but you can find me over at my photography site where I plan on occasionally posting arts and crafts type things. Go read about this project here

Deer Me

2010-02-23T23:42:00.000-08:00

My sewing machine is broken, we've been sick, life is busy, I need a break... all very valid and true excuses as to why I haven't been here lately. But I borrowed a machine from my sister and am debating about whether I should bring my cheap-o machine in for a repair or if money would be better spent on a new machine. hmm I dont know. In the mean time though, I found this HIDEOUS deer at the thrift store this week:

Add a little glossy Krylon spray paint in Blue Ocean Breeze and you get this:

I like her sooo much better in blue! (and I think I might be addicted to spray paint... in the good way LOL! I am making a mental list of other figurines I'd like to find and spray paint; chicks for easter, owls, whales, what else?

In other news, I got pinned!

Feed Your Soul

2010-01-28T12:56:00.000-08:00

Isn't it so hard some days? It's necessary to avoid the ruts that life's bumps give us so we can keep on moving, keep on creating, keep on enjoying this wonderful thing we do every day, this gift. So before you read my list, ask yourself, "What nourishes my soul?" Write it down and take care of it. Go to it when you need it. And most importantly enjoy your list regularly.

For me, this is making me smile... old trains, tree forts, treasure hunts, forest stream walking, summer dresses...au revoir simone

also:
-made-from-scratch hot cocoa with strawberry heart shaped marshmallows
-tumblr (especially a Wes Anderson tumblr fan site)
-Remembering that I will be eating here with (only) my husband before spring is over:

picture by one of my favorite Disney Park Photographers, Joe Penniston

-Bill Murray is staying at the hotel my husband works at. He has never ever asked any of the dozens of celebrities who work there for an autograph but he's promised to get one of our favorite of Mr. Murray's movies signed if he runs into him. I know it's a little shallow to LOVE this, but I am a huge fan of his work!
-this girl, who after setting up a mini photo shoot with her sisters and brother, using only a point and shoot, a box of dress-up clothes, and a lamp, will be setting up her own blog this week:

Blog redesign

2010-01-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

I did a little blog redesign you wont be able to see in your blog readers. Let me know if you find any problems.

I heart boden

2010-01-22T11:02:00.001-08:00

I just received an email from Boden announcing their new spring collection! Love the classic yet creative style Boden offers. I also love their new interactive outfit maker!

Still love Polyvore for designing outfits too!

Untitled by mokistar featuring Anna Sui

Untitled by mokistar featuring Mulberry

I might "bee" selling this???

2010-01-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

I am totally daydreaming of opening a cute online shop filled with the most darling vintage finds?! hmmmmm

Focus

2010-01-13T22:08:00.001-08:00

Turns out my year for this year is "focus" and as I begin to do that I cant believe the results I'm getting. I should have focused less on the sweets at bunko tonight and perhaps my body wouldnt be so focused on the headache and tummy ache its going through now... man I am old.

My sewing machine is down and I have wonderful things I'd like to work on. Craftiness will come as soon as I can get it fixed.

oh wednesday...

2010-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

Made this necklace from a new acorn, old beaded belt, vintage gold watch from a yard sale. I *heart* it so much!

Listening to Beirut radio on pandora, eating peppermint butter cream filled peppermint bits from sunflower, toes are freezing (where ARE my slippers?!) house is trashed, tomorrow isn't wednesday though :)

One Word?

2010-01-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

Do you ever kind of wake up... not necessarily from sleep but from the humdrum or the monotony or the chaos and think "WAIT! This is my life?! I want a DO-OVER!" haha! I seriously look back at my late 20's and wonder what the heck I was doing? What was I thinking?!

But this year I think I am being given the opportunity for a little bit of a do-over of sorts. Fresh ideas, new people in my life (and the supportive old dear friends,) and opportunity. I'm going to go up to bat, catch that pass, slam that ball, jump that fence, dodge that ball... you get the picture. I don't know if "do-over" is my word for the year, but it sure feels like it. What's your one little word.

hmmm

2009-12-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

I have the most wonderful list of things to do... crafty things, artsy things, creative things. The projects involve redecorating, reconstructing, revitalizing... but the Christmas stuff is still up and I have 4 kiddos here tearing apart my house... oh well

Today:
black and white flats: hot topic
classic straight leg pants: target
fuchsia Minnie Mouse shirt: hubs gave it to me for Christmas
black cardigan: thrifted
black tank: Lane Bryant
necklace: yard sale find

Puttin' Around the House Junkyard Style

2009-12-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

no seriously! After yesterday I knew I had to start the day off right. Not only did I make it out of bed before 3 of my 4 kids, get the dishes unloaded and reloaded, eat breakfast and do a game in my sudoku book, but I got dressed.

Today:
Red sweater blouse - thrifted (lane bryant)
skirt - handmade (alexander henry print I believe)
knee-highs - reconstructed from thrifted sweater (still enough for another project or two
clearance target boots
bracelet - crushed tiara shaped around my wrist
necklace - bits of chain, a bead belt, and a piece of costume jewely (I'll do some close ups of the jewelry I've been making later
belt - re worked strap from an old camera bag

The World is Too Much With Me

2009-12-28T15:35:00.000-08:00

I have struggled with depression since I was a teen. Back then it was inexplicable aside from the normal teenage things that bring you down. What I didn't realize then is that a lot of what I feel when I am depressed is actually in my control. It was during my second round of postpartum depression that I began to see my triggers and signals that would take me down a sad dark road. Because of this I was able to almost completely handle my PD after my 3rd pregnancy and not have any at all with number 4. However, I still fall into times of sadness that have little logic or reason.

As I lay in bed this morning I thought of how I had a great evening with my husband yesterday, that I get to text my best friend anytime and as often as I like even though I cant hang out with her, and how my other close friends are always there when I need them. And yet I did not want to get out of bed and face my day. The two reasons: 1. money (in all it's glory and absence and abundance and future life with me) 2. my kids... because they are demanding in 4 very different ways and it's difficult to be a mommy 4 different ways at the same time. And both of these things are tied up in anxiety which is my major trigger for depression. (It used to be the end result of my depression but has morphed into the trigger, strange eh?)

But dont worry. As I am trying to explain, I recognize my trigger. It allows me to maintain sanity and pleasantness. It gets me dressed even if I'm just going the safe comfy route. And it's going to help me get things on track. What I read today is
"If you can't face your life, then who can? If you don't have the skills to manage what's in your head and what's in your world, there's no one who can do it for you. As soon as you tell yourself you "can't," you must."
and
"thoughts
cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations,
and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to
feel / act better even if the situation does not change."
and
"Avoidance is a terrible coping mechanism. It instantly defines you as a victim by suggesting that somehow you can't cope with whatever is going on, as if you're a victim of life."

my outfit today:
shirt and vest both clearance maternity from target about $6 each
jeans - hand me downs from my sister
boots my happy target clearance find $12
necklace you can't see - hand made by me
redhead - "hand made" by me

The Thrift God's Do Listen

2009-12-27T22:34:00.000-08:00

Hubs and I have been collecting old Disney records when we find them. He's got a player, but I told him that I really wished I had an old Fisher Price record player like I did when I was little. Only a week later, what do I stumble upon?! You should have seen me protecting that sucker! i was so worried some other thrifty retro hungry soul would snatch it out of my cart if I turned around for even a second!

It's been playing a 45 of Neil Sedaka's "Calendar Girl," A limited Edition Set of "The Nightmare Before Christmas," our stash of Disney albums and a copy of Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors."

me on Christmas Eve

2009-12-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas Eve we got to my husband's grandfather's ranch for an open house style dinner. Friends and family come and go on their own schedule, bringing yummy things to eat and a load of laughter into the home.

This year I wanted to wear something a little dressier to the dinner. I finished up a reconstructed bolero just in time. (Inspired by the talented gal over at "Ruffles and Stuff".)

It reminds me of something you'd see in a production of "Sense and Sensibility" and I felt super in it. It needs a little tailoring to make the back more flattering, but I'll save that for after I get back on the diet wagon and loose these pounds I put on this year. (You can't see them because I am a photoshop queen! ;)

This outfit:

reconstructed bolero - thrifted gift from Raesha
White long sleeved T form Target
Navy blue dress - thrifted $3
black stockings
thrifted blue boots
blue headband - dollar store

Christmas Eve

2009-12-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

Duke's First Annual Polar Express Party

2009-12-23T22:43:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, prior to suddenly asking my sister and her family over for dinner, and just before the impromptu Christmas Dinner party (at which 28 people crammed into my home, more than half of them being under the age of 13!) I had suddenly decided to host a Polar Express party.

Initially, I was just feelin' jealous of parents I know with fewer than 4 kiddos who can just drive up to Colorado and buy a few tickets for the Polar Express train ride. Then I read an article about how we try so hard, as adults, to grasp the magic of Christmas. The excitement we felt as we went to bed Christmas Eve. The joy and surprise when we opened our present. The warm yumminess of traditions and objects that would become nostalgic to us later. The article's author discussed how it may be hard to catch that feeling as adults but that really Christmas is about creating that magic for the children in our lives. And so thus the grand idea of the Duke’s First Annual Polar Express Party began.

We played "Guess How Many Bells are in the Jar," drank cocoa (complete with a mini cocoa/marshmallow/peppermint bar), sang carols, played heads up 7 up, gave a bunch of mom's and dad's an hour off, and listened to the Conductor (my very awesome theatrically trained husband) read Polar Express to us! It was by far the BEST evening I’ve had all
December!!!

Clearance boys shirt = cute top for E

2009-12-16T23:35:00.000-08:00

daily december (14)

2009-12-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

gingerbread cookie recipe

me and e on dec 14

2009-12-14T21:37:00.001-08:00

I didnt start the day in this outfit. I was completely dressed in straight legged gray slacks, a geometric patterned blouse with a black undershirt and coordinated necklace. I just needed to slip my shoes on and grab a sweater.

However, I began to feel the pinch of the waistband around my middle and decided a bit too many cookies this month (+ a couple of sodas and a bucket load of cocoas with donuts sprinkled here and there) meant that I would need to pull out my most favorite comfy jeans. I've had them for about 5 years, they stretch more and more as the day goes on. The hems are frayed beyond recognition and in my skinny days these are too big for my bum... perfect! Especially since I planned on making (and eating) gingerbread cookies later ;)

E found me in the bathroom standing on the toilet (as usual) and wanted in on this picture thing. She had on the perfect mixed outfit too! Her t-shirt is a hand me down from a friend (belonging to our miss b)and the tutu is from Target last Christmas. It sparkles and twirls and both girls still fit into them. They wore them yesterday to church. E wore hers with stockings and her brothers Gap navy blue sweater with a big snowflake on the front that he wore 5 years ago! Both my littles have gotten away with wearing it and looking adorable!

On me:

my old reliable jeans

shirt: thrifted $5

purple t: Target

Cardigan: Target

ring: www.smallthingsdesigns.com

enjoying
my new Env3 with unlimited text and data plan
Coffeemate's Peppermint mocha creamer in plain ol' walmart cocoa
Christmas Classic station on Pandora
this gingerbread cookie recipe
Lain's 5 easy handmade gifts
oh and then there's this:

me today dec 13

2009-12-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Ah church, time to get everybody pretty while trying my darndest to keep the spirit with me. T went through 2 pairs of (dirty) pants and brought down the options of jeans of camo! LOL! The littles couldn't find stockings. C-bug did manage to get dressed in a cute outfit, realize her blouse had a spout on it and change into an equally clever outfit in 5 minutes flat... should have taken a pic of her cute outfit! (Imagine black flats, lacey type stockings, denim von dutch skirt, yellow v neck sweater with bright pink polo underneath! super cute!)

I knew exactly what I was going to wear today. I had looked though my Evernote notebook and was reminded of a cute boden ensemble I loved. Wish evrry day was that simple.

Today we did church, made this for dinner (yum!), and then went on our Secret Santa mission... rewarded with Krispy Kreme donuts (another yum!)

This is the outfit that ispired my look today. Ah to have a long pink velvet coat!

december 13

2009-12-13T21:32:00.001-08:00

december 12

2009-12-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

busy day

december 11

2009-12-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

Dec 11 me standing on the toilet

2009-12-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

Did I already explain why in all these pictures I am standing on a toilet with my head cut off?
1) It's the only place I can take a good full body (minus head) self portrait without setting up a tripod
2) Usually I like how the flash bounces off the ceiling in the bathroom
3) Once I am on the toilet I can't see my head in the mirror. If I bring my camera down low enough I can get my funny mug in the picture but it also means there is a very bright flash in my face!

thrifted cardigan 3.99
blouse: Target clearance >$5
jeans: Old Navy from my sister
boots: My newest treasure found at the thrift store $8!!!

Today my sista brought me Krispy Kreme from our newly reopened bakery. We ran errands and dropped our Christmas postcard in the mail. We ate zuppa toscano among other yummies for lunch. Later we're heading to the church Christmas dinner.... turkey dinner, I hear!

December Daily December 10

2009-12-10T22:54:00.000-08:00

dec 10

2009-12-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

I could see it in my head last night. My comfy ripped jeans, an aerosmith t shirt and an off white cardigan topped with my red scarf. Unfortuantely, I had no aerosmith t shirt, no guns n roses, no classic rock t's, nothin. So the pic on the right is what I WOULD HAVE looked like if I had one.

I ran to the thrift store first thing this morning to hunt for one. I even convinced myself if I found one that smelled like it was washed I might actually wear it to breakfast with my photog friends without washing it first.... ewwww I know... but I was obsessed. Looking back, I am sooooo glad I didnt find one! haha! I did find an AWESOME pair of slate blue boots! I have been on the hunt for a pair of boots like them for a couple of months! Just trying to decide what I will wear with them... silvery gray leggings and a dress? black leggings with a denim skirt and grey sweater? I dunno, guess we'll see tomorrow!

black flast with buckle: Target
Jeans: Old Navy boot cut that is an old style of boot cut they dont make anymore
basic black t
thrifted gap cardi
yard sale banadana

2009-12-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

Our day started off at about 5 am. An ice storm ripped in and pounded our house with pellets. It began snowing in parts of town and then the thunder and lighting! Something like this inevitable means school would be affected some how. And though things were sunny in spite of the cold wind, our side of town was pretty decent. But a look across the river we could see snow and probably ice. So seeing as how our district takes up the entire city of Albuquerque and the buses park over on the other side of the river, our district gave us a 2 hour delay.

After finally getting everybody off to school I grabbed a load of fabric soon to be cute skirts for kiddos and drove up to my sister's. We ate some nummy chili, cut fabric, gossiped and laughed. We ran and errand and then the kids all came home. sigh

But I had cookies to bake and a cookie exchange to go to. Ah friends and sugar! Two of my favorite things! :)

Basic black t
new leggings form target
clearance target necklace
target flats
thrifted linen dress $6

Was told by my 13 year old, "CUTE!"

dec 7

2009-12-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

This is my magic coat! I bought it last year (or the year before?) on clearance at Target. Here is a classic story of why I call it the magic coat:

My 5 year old and I were on a shopping trip to Michaels. I was on a quest for the perfect trim for my ornaments for the swap. As I reach towards the silver braided cord a woman leans towards me and says,
"Your coat is beautiful!"
"Thank you, " I reply.
"Do you know that lady?" my little girl asks.
I tell her, "No. She was just complimenting me on my magic coat."
"Magic?!" she laughs.
I explain, "This coat is magic because anytime I wear it people say nice things to me. They tell me how beautiful I look, how they love my coat, or just other nice things. And so I call it my magic coat because it seems to cast a spell on people."

We approach the register as I finish my explanation. Suddenly my girl exclaims,
"Mama! That lady has your coat!"
Sure enough a lady checking out has the same coat draped over her arm. We look at each other and smile. I explain, "I was just telling my daughter about this coat being magic. Do people compliment you whenever you wear it?"
The lady tells us how she bought 2 of them. One was for a friend. She tells us that people love the coat and that she remembers seeing me at the post office a year ago in my coat! We chat for a good 5 minutes as the lady in front of me and then I check out. We walk out to the car with the other magic coat owner. I find out she is the owner of a local spa and her name is Monica(!!! in NM if you're monique you might as well answer to monica too!) She invites us to a big holiday extravaganza at her spa. Unfortunately, the coat's magic powers do not help with memory and I just remembered we forgot all about the party! Darn it! oh well, still magic.

dec 5

2009-12-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

brunch a.m. :
yellow cardigan: target
plaid top: thrifted (probably from khols?)
denim skirt: hand made
yellow flats: target

Out shopping p.m. :
yellow cardigan
dollar dress from walmart
green tank: target clearance
jeans: Old Navy hand me down form sister
thrifted old navy boots
purse: giani bernini thrifted $3! just found it on sale at Macy's for $50!!!
green necklace: made by my boy Tanzen for Christmas one year!
peachy and red dealio: Target clearance 2.44

Last night while doing a little shopping, I found these cute 3 dimensional layered stickers from K and Company (and Joanns) they were $4. I picked up an unfinished shadow box at hobby lobby for $4 +40% coupon. A little painting, some glue and cardboard, and now I have this cute shadowbox sitting on the front room table. I really should plan and host a craft night some year. Oh well!

dec 4

2009-12-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

Had such a busy day. So many errands. Too many kids (parent teacher conferences this week.)

After talking about my daily chosen clothes and saying something about putting more effort into what I wear... not the ordinary jeans and T, I suddenly had a craving for jeans and a T. I had a photoshoot with my nieces so I wanted to wear something comfy and functional. I dressed it up with my gap cardigan you havent seen yet, a hand knit navy blue scarf, straight legged jeans and some plaid tennies. I bought both tops at Walmart last year. I really really really try to stay far away from walmart clothes purchases because typically the quality isnt that great, walmart is an evil giant, sweatshops, etc. but this blue t is an organic one I picked up for $5! Could you pass up organic cotton for $5? I dare you! The red and white striped one underneath was a happy find. I hunted everywhere last winter for a red and white striped t after falling in love with one in the Boden catalog. I couldn't find anything under $30!!! Then happened across this one while picking up dog food for only $8. I am told I like to justify things often... oh well, I look cute ;)

December 3

2009-12-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

So this is the ornament I made for Life in the Lyon's Den ornament swap. I hand crafted each paper house and used gumball machine containers for the domes. pretty nifty, huh?

And apparently getting dressed with the intention of wearing something nice (rather than the lounge pants or jeans and a tee, or mafia style jogging suit... well anyway, it's becoming a habit and a way to keep me on task through out the day.

This outfit is one of my favorite pairs of very straight legged baggy pants (reminds me of womens 1940s pants), a striped Old Navy T-shirt that my sis gave me after she accidentally ordered 2, a thrifted cardigan (about $6?) and a refurbished necklace made from a thrifted necklace and a big red bead from one of my other sistas.

This picture is a reminder to me to
a) clean my bathroom mirrors
b) get a pedi some time this winter
see ya tomorrow, I got to get back to posting a client gallery.

december 2

2009-12-03T01:45:00.000-08:00

If you have a Macy's and kiddos in your care, stop by and drop a note to Santa... I almost did ;)

P.S. Couldnt find my copy of "It's a Wonderful Life" and really wanted to watch it tonight. You can watch it here

Thrifted Clearance outfit #2

2009-12-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

Here is the blue version of the previous dress, also $1 @ walmart. The cardigan here is a new with tags Old Navy one I found at the thrift store for 6.99. The shoes and gray skirt were bought brand new at target. Fun stuff!

On the tail end of a cruddy day. Have a ton of work to do and no motivation to do it. Must get done though. see ya!

Wardrobe Wednesday

2009-12-02T14:40:00.000-08:00

ok I am not actually starting a ritual Wardrobe Wednesday, but this is one of a few things I actually loved today. (Wednesday is early dismissal for the elementary kiddos and it's smack dab when Little E needs her nap.)

I found this dress last night at Walmart. My first thought when I saw it was e-gads that is bright and hideous! Then I thought about how cute it would be with my boots and new cardi. Then I thought about how it was walmart and really made like crap in a foreign country probably by children. But then I saw the price tag $1! Sorry, couldn't pass up a dress for a buck!(or the similar blue one for the same price!!!)

The whole outfit with the exception of the shirt is either clearance or thrifted:
dress $1
boots: new old navy @ saver's thrift store last year 9.99
stockings: clearance $1
vintage pin (on waist): 1.99 @ savers
cardigan that I wore with it but not in the picture: NEW w/tags GAP @ savers $14! (original price tag said $45)

I LOVE clothes you wear in the cooler weather! Layers of tops, tanks, boots, leggings, sweaters. Best stuff! Some of my favorite style blogs:
Cardigan Empire
Have a Cute Day
What I wore
Some Girls Wander(of Black Apple fame... I'll take one of the cute necklaces from her shop!)

Oh, and yes, I stand on my toilet to do shots like this! Wanna make fun of me? meet you on the playground after school tomorrow! ;)

December 1: Peppermint chip cookies, sould food for the tired soul

2009-12-01T21:17:00.001-08:00

Recipe can be found here

Digital December Daily

2009-11-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

If you read my blog you probably know about Ali Edwards and her December Daily... just because I am crafty, ad you probably are so I assume you know what I am talking about. I am tooooo lazy this early morning to go and find a link for you so go ahead and google it if you need to... go ahead... I'll wait ;)

Last year I made an awesome book for my December Daily, but alas, scrapping in December (printing out the pics assembling pages etc) was too much for me and even though I took pictures every day I did fail to scrap the last 10 days or so. But I KNOW I can do this digitally. I LOVE doing digital scrapping... no mess to clean up, no supplies to buy, etc.

So all I have to do is make a list of things I definitely want to get to with my family and take the darn pictures!

On my list:
cookie making
one day of a big secret santa project run by a friend of mine
PJ pants to be sewn
cocoa to be drunk
parties to attend
but firstly get the tree up and finish the ornaments for Amy's swap(and send tomorrow!)

parody+Muppets+Queen= happy me

2009-11-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

There's a whole channel of this stuff on the muppet youtube channel!

A Give Away at Cardigan Cake

2009-11-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

Posted a give away on Cardigan Cake

I'm in

2009-11-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

Last year I made these:

I THINK I know what I'll do this year???

Movies to see

2009-11-05T20:06:00.001-08:00

Just a list of trailers I stumbled upon and now want to have on my "to see" list.

maybe:

dont laugh... but this is my type of movie... I loved "Something's Gotta Give" with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.

Was supposed to be

2009-11-04T21:57:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is my 15th anniversary. We were supposed to be leaving on a plane to go on our first ever trip without the kids. But alas, did I mention the story of the broken down van?

Anyway, our day will come. Now I need to focus on working (one cute photo session tomorrow and possibly a last minute shindig to photograph.) And there is so much to do before Christmas, heck! before Thanksgiving.

Some things I want to get done soon:

Kolaches in my future? Not unless I share them with friends. Wonder what apple would be like? or PUMPKIN BUTTER???!

Buy new typewriter tape. maybe I'll let my kids type up messages to santa? or maybe I'll just type in secret...after they are asleep...and not tell them the thing works again...

I'll finish this after thanksgiving. I think I will make it a family gift to my family.

And clean the office so more moments like this can happen

It's not too early to enjoy peppermint, right?

2009-11-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

I just found the peppermint star marshmallows today! We LOVE them in our cocoa! Also, we love Coffee Mate's peppermint creamer in our cocoa... oh and bob's candy canes and brachs peppermint nougats. mmmm peppermint!

2009-11-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

I noticed a facebook friend became a fan of this amazing photographer Wendy Bevan. Wendy's work is really lovely. I tried to replicate the effects on this portrait of C-bug I took last spring. Her work is tylish, vintage, artistic.

No wonder my fb friend loved it...(thanks for the inspiration Jenny)

It's November... time to blog every day ;)

2009-11-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

With 2 other blogs going on I am bound to cross post once in a while... this will be one of those times ;)

I found a huge stack of Corelle plates at Savers that I will be using when I host Thanksgiving at my house this month. I haven't quite decided on what to do for center pieces... maybe spray paint gourds in matching colors? make little velvet pumpkins? Do you have any ideas?

I have Christmas on the brain already, but with my business keeping me busy with Holiday Family Sessions I have to be in that mode mentally. I think I may need to construct some sort of Holiday planner soon! You know I'll share! maybe even make 2 for a give away???

Disney Trip Giveaway!

2009-10-10T00:59:00.000-07:00

2 fun Utah based blogs, Sweet Life in the Valley and Out and about with the Family are giving away a trip to Disneyland! Some of you may know that last spring husband and I were beginning to save up our money to make an anniversary trip to Disneyland together. We didnt have a real honeymoon and have never done anything aside from dinner and a movie for an anniversary. Unfortunately my van took a dive on a road trip. The money we had begun to save got us back to our home state. The van eventually was shipped out and underwent a full engine replacement. We're talking thousands of dollars that we are now in debt (to my dad, thank goodness and not a bank.) However, hubs and I have been trying to figure out any way for us to get to Disneyland in the next year (even after our anniversary in a month???) Wouldn't it be a dream come true if we won this?! (And we only need 2 tickets! I think I'd have to do a contest of my own to give away the other 2) Any how, it's worth the try.

Go enter yourself too at Sweet Life in the Valley

Photo by the wonderful Brianna Saban

moving... sorta

2009-09-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

hi there blog readers. As I'm sure you can tell I've practically abandoned this blog. BUT you can find me at my photography blog. I use it for business but I am slowly trying to incorporate some of my crafty and home life into it. Please go read over there. I may be back here someday when I have a little more time. thanks for the love!

The Disney Month of Fun!

2009-06-30T09:06:00.001-07:00

The story is this: We went on a family trip to Disneyland this spring. We try to go whenever we have some extra money or have saved some up. We have a REALLY GREAT TRAVEL AGENCY we go through. They always have the newest ticket deals, offers for free nights at the hotels, send Disney pins, lanyards, and this time around little backpacks for the kids. We had a great time and the hubs and I decided that we would definitely save our money up for our first ever anniversary trip (we've never gone anywhere for our anniversary.)

And then fate threw a wrench into the works! Only an hour after leaving my aunt's house in CA our van broke down... the only car we have that can drive all 6 of us at the same time (husband has a 4 passenger car.) This month, the anniversary money will be going to fix the van. :(

But I had an idea! The company we use is amazing! They offer a referral program. I figured out that we only need 25 referrals to book for us to pay for our anniversary trip! I thought "there's has got to be 25 people out there willing to send me their emails to refer to this company!" They dont send too many emails (I swear! Like 1-2 a month?) They also book other southern california destinations, cruises, and Hawaii! We've been using them for 5+ years and have never had a bad experience.

But I couldn't possibly just beg for emails and vacation bookings without doing something in return. So this month, for as many days as I can, I will be offering patterns, designs, ideas for crafty projects with a Disney theme! Could you please spare an email and your home address? send it to mokistar at aol dot dom and I will love you forever!

First up the pattern for the above Mickey Mouse paper cutting. It's done on 12x12 paper. You can print it up and cut out the colored sections. Dont forget you can invert it to have him face the other way (I'm a sloppy cutter and had some lines left over on mine ;) Click on the picture to be brought to a larger size. Please only use this pattern for non commercial personal use. Thanks!

VIntage Flower Bobby Pins

2009-06-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these vintage plastic flower pieces floating around on the web? After talking to 2 of my craftiest friends, I'm starting to think I am the only one coveting them! If you do see them around, dont fall for spending a chunk of change on a finished piece. Hunt the web for vintage plastic beads or pieces to find a little stash of your own.

After I got mine I headed to Hobby Lobby to buy some pin backs and was EXCITED to find HL is stepping up and offering the bobby pins, rings, and bales finally! I used a new to me super glue called "Green House." It's container is recyclable aluminum and the actual packaging is biodegradable thin cardboard (as opposed to plastic.) I like that it doesnt have a SCARY fast dry time. The last tube of super glue I bought from a different brand got tossed as soon as the project was done out of fear of some super glue disaster.

I am still working on a series of projects and patterns for some special posts coming up... it's sort of a request/trade ;) You'll see...

I Tumble for You

2009-06-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

I joined Tumblr. Find me here

PLEASE let me know if you're on tumblr too!

I have some blog posts coming up soon. Things I have been working on and just need to get around to posting about. See you soon!

The Homemade Pirate Game

2009-06-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

A while back a flickr friend of mine posted a picture of the game Dread Pirate. It is a fun looking pirate game with no plastic pieces(!) I couldn't justify spending a chunk of money on the game even if it was awesome, so I decided to come up with my own game.

Ours is a map (on canvas) of 4 ports. The four players sail the sea to each port to collect all 4 pieces of eight. You can cast the bones to gain protecting charms (including Tia Dalma's necklace to protect you from sea monsters) you find and lose gems, battle other pirates, and more. My kids LOOOOOOVE it. If anyone is really interested in making their own I will share ALL the details and provide printable cards, directions, rules, and a map pattern. Just let me know here.

WHat are you doing this summer?

My Garden

2009-06-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm loving how my garden is doing. Things I've never grown before, learning about how to do it right so I can grow them better next time. I've got a few carrots and green beans too! New ones for me!

But I think the best part so far is finding little baby bugs! I know, strange! Here T holds a grasshopper.

And this cutie is a mantis that surprised me on a tomato plant. It's only about a cm long

Are you growing a garden this year? What are you enjoying?

The Mini Vacation Book

2009-06-11T23:57:00.000-07:00

I made this for anyone that wants to print it out and use it for yourself or friends and family.
The idea is that we cant always take the trip we want to take but we can MAKE a trip worth taking. Just some creative ideas to try to give you a mini vacay w/o spending a lot of money.
I found the clipart around the web. If it turns out any of it is not okay to use, please let me know.

Directions: Print pages back to back in any order. When assembling, page 1 "Huck Finn" Should be the first page though so that "variations" is the last page.

And of course enjoy! You are free to use for any non commercial purposes!

title page
page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 6

I'll be back

2009-05-12T10:23:00.001-07:00

I've been so super busy that I havent even had time to take pictures of my own family. You can see sessions I've done at my photography blog.

I did manage to put together a cute slide show about kids and their favorite toys:

Kids and Toys from Monique Duke on Vimeo.

Click on the Madsen bike buttone to the right to learn how to win one for yourself------------>

Sugar Saucers

2009-04-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

The same night I made the kanaches I made these "Sugar Saucers." Seriously a really good sugar cookie. I have been hunting for a recipe that tastes like the ones that Disneyland sells back by the Pooh ride, and these aren't close, but still buttery, crispy, and mmmmm.

I got this recipe and the kanache recipe from an awesome cook book called "The Pastry Queen." I highly recommend it!

This is NOT a food blog... but who's complaining?

2009-04-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

Last night while snarfing down a gigantic sugar cookie, I told a friend that sugar cookies encompassed everything that is right in the world. I stand corrected! Strawberry Kanaches encompass everything thats right in the world! Warm, sweet, soft, and reminiscent of your first jam sandwich... Let's curl up in a blanket today and eat the whole pan! Perhaps they will work their yummy magic and the world will be all better tomorrow.

Mmmm Dinner

2009-04-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

For the next few days I am making sandwiches for dinner. Not your ordinary PB and J or ham and cheese, but full blown, worth every bite sandwiches. Tonight was one of our favorites, the Muffaletta. I'm sure it's not that this sandwich has it's very own "stripper name" that makes it so delicious. It's the Italian pickled salad! The story goes that Italian workers taking their lunch break would balance their lunch of bread, cheese, meat, and olive salad on their laps until one day when the grocer had the simplest, yummiest idea to put it all together into an easy to hold sandwich. Though I have to say the olive salad falls everywhere ;)

To make a muffaletta all you need is a nice crusty roll, provolone and/or mozzerella, salami, ham, and the olive salad... to make that basically you need a handful each of black, kalamata, and spanish pimento stuffed olives, a clove or 2 of garlic, possibly some capers, a couple of peppericinis, pickled cauliflower, carrots, generous pouring of olive oil and red wine vinegar, and some oregano... all chopped up and mixed together. mmm I want to go make it again!

You might not be mormon

2009-04-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

but you will like this:

Pres. Uctdorf is one of my faves!

Jess wuz here!

2009-02-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

If you have been reading Cardigan Cake then you know Jess came to visit for a day! We had so much fun! We went thrifting and shopping and ate out and crafted! You can go see what we did and what I found at Cardigan Cake and see the cute pictures I got of her on my photo blog.

The Mr.

2009-02-24T00:59:00.001-08:00

He runs a website devoted to showcasing fans of Disney and the Disney Parks. Oh and Disney inspired artists too! He's such a natural. You can watch this and drool over his studly nature, but you should know the only thing he knows how to cook is mac and cheese and he only does his own laundry ;) You can find all of his videos here

I'm not allowed to complain... and neither are you

2009-02-23T23:00:00.001-08:00

I try to avoid any blog stalking that remotely looks like REAL STALKING, but with nie nie I just cant help it. I confess I did send her an email telling her how wonderful I think she is. She changed my life (unbeknownst to her) long before her accident. And yes, I have written about it before, but I dont want to send her another stalker email ;) telling her how much I ( a stranger) adore her. Back then I read her blog and saw a valiant woman/mother/wife who was creating beauty in her life (and I didnt fool myself for one minute believing her entire life was full rosebuds and dainty paper cutting)What I did see was a strong faithful woman who could have a bad day and still look up to see the silver lining. What I saw was a wonderful example or what direction I should be taking with my life, my blogging, my family and my testimony of Jesus Christ. I can't imagine that I could ever be the amazing woman she is... I'm so rough around the edges and take a bit of pride in that, but I try to refine my soft side anyways.

Lovely post here

An Avocado Baby

2009-02-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

Even with our warmish winters, we can't grow avocados in New Mexico. Do you know where they do grow? Well, I mean where they grow well enough to bear fruit? That's right, California (thinking of renaming my blog "I wish I was in California") Did you know that "In the past, the avocado had a well-entrenched reputation for inducing sexual prowess and wasn't purchased or consumed by any person wishing to protect their image from slanderous assault(?) Growers had to sponsor a public relations campaign to dispel the ill-founded reputation before avocados became popular."(http://whatscookingamerica.net/avacado.htm)

Well they dont make me feel like a sexy cougar (cub) but I sure love them. I found one that was most delish today and cut it up for my tortilla soup. I cleaned off the beautiful seed and put it in this carafe I found especially for it. I had it on my "thrift list" to find a skinny necked carafe to accommodate a young avocado sapling. Wasn't sure I'd find one and was so happy I did.

When I was in kindergarten, with my mom's help, I grew avocados seeds for my science fair project. We lived in ALASKA at the time. I like to think my mom, only 3 years gone from her sunny California home, maybe craved a bit of the warm beaches and fresh green fruit and thats why she decided on avocados for my project. I like to imagine that I'll go there to live again some day. Find a reasonable home in a convenient to anywhere location, a smallish yard, big enough for one lemon tree, a small garden and my avocado baby.

In other thrifted news... I found this hand embroidered AND hand quilted(!!!) toddler size quilt. For a family in LOVE with Disney (and a hubs with a soft spot for pooh because his momma loved it so much)I was really hoping it was in my budget. I think $3 is a reasonable price!!!!! Can you believe it? spotless, flawless, and hand made and so cheap?! Especially when some crappy finds are going for big bucks!!! All better for me ;)

Making a Quilt

2009-02-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

I spent most of the day at my sisters. She's a talented quilter and I really needed help with a design for a quilt.

We ate hummus and pitas, listened to our girls play, talked about drama going on, kept myself from the housework I needed to do today ;)

Tonight I am going to watch a movie and do some therapeutic seam pressing so I can finish up the quilt.

Valentines Day

2009-02-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends and family!

We had a busy Valentines Day. Nothing "lovey dovey" but I spent the morning doing what I love. Chris stayed home with the kids and worked on his new "vlog. I came home just in time to get everyone ready to go with me to meet a client. There were no roses in my day (per my request) but we did grab some yummy Chinese food at The Rose Garden. Late lunch, heart shaped french meringues and one short nap later everyone watched a movie, subs for dinner and a naked ~~cherub~~ baby running around the house... had to pull out the wings to make this picture. Now it's 10 and everyone but this cherubic hellion and I are in bed. Happy Valentines Day!

I Should Say...

2009-02-08T09:39:00.001-08:00

I think Kentucky is beautiful! I had been through there a couple of times while living in the midwest and Virginia. I never think of KY citizens as being backwoods toothless types, but I suppose our friendly gentleman Native American might have. ;)

posted on facebook

2009-02-06T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today while we were in line at the store. Miss B was staring at the native American man in line behind us. He had his long hair pulled back and wrapped at the base of his head. She looked at me side ways and asked "Is that a man or a woman?"

I totally understand why she asked... he looked like a man but had long hair...she asks that about girls with short hair, men with mullets, women with mohawks. It is VERY normal for preschoolers to be confused. SO I explain to her that he is a man. That he is Native American and thats why he has long hair. I give her like a one sentence explanation about ancestry and leave it at that. She is still staring and he smiles, but I tell her to stop staring because staring isn't nice... still staring and giggling now too.

I say to her "would you like it if he was staring at you and asked 'Is that a little girl or a redheaded elf?" She laughs and says 'no."

Then that nice looking, smiling, long haired man behind me says "She looks like she is from Kentucky"

uh what?!!?

Images from 'Deliverance' run through my head.I hear dueling banjos. Poor Ned Beatty! My paler than pale, freckled face, red stringy haired, skinny, self dressed ragamuffin girl looks up at me with a big goofy, toothy smile. And for a second I think "yeah maybe he is right."

Get the Funk Out (word of the year challenge)

2009-01-30T22:17:00.001-08:00

My word of the day prompted me to reconstruct a charm bracelet. You can read about it over at Cardigan Cake.

"Get the Funk Out!" is probably going to fall by the wayside as Jess and I focus our efforts on the new blog. I think that Cardigan Cake came about from our efforts to get out of our post Christmas funks though... so it wasn't all for nothing.

Also, I will still be blogging here with all of my personal craftiness that doesn't fall under the vintage blanket.. so don't forget about me ;) And definitely check out

Anyone for Cardigan Cake?

2009-01-29T13:02:00.001-08:00

Jess and I started a NEW BLOG together! It's called

Cardigan CakeWe really wanted a place to express our passions for all things vintage and show off our retro inspired homemaking styles. We will have recipes (that can be printed out on cute recipe card templates), craftiness, homemaking tips, vintage finds. Really 'swell' things! Bookmark us! We'll be updating frequently!

and check out my 'middles' yesterday who desperately wanted to be outside despite the CHILLING wind:

I was up VERY late

2009-01-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

I spent hours working on my husbands blog last night.. a rough draft version that I tossed and ended up with something quite whimsical...yes I am married to a grown man who obsesses about anything Disney... but it means I have fun vacations and plenty of entertainment ;) In his defense he is also Security Supervisor at his place of business, spent 4 years in the navy as a gunner, and watches football any time it doesnt interfere with church. lol

Lunch

2009-01-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

Since the office got cleaned out, Miss B and I have taken to having our lunch at the desk. The new desk is sort of "C" shaped...a long section underneath the cabinets wraps around to the computer area and then the final section is an extended table.

B pulls up a chair and eats there. After she's done she'll either rifle through the new scrap drawer (a special place for misprinted copies, wrinkled paper, and scraps) or pull out the new "Lite Brite" I found at the thrift store yesterday. Miss E usually follows us or takes a nap.

I've been very busy. Working on sessions and other photography related work and a new blog coming along as well... yawn ;)

New Get the Funk Out challenge!

2009-01-20T00:28:00.001-08:00

Go read it here

Ian

2009-01-17T00:25:00.000-08:00

Ian is one of my dear friend Raesha's good looking brothers ;) We've never met in person but I think if we did, we'd be bestest friends. Ha ha... that is if I could keep up with him and I'd have to clear it with his cute wife (oh and of course my husband.) Ok so here's the deal...Ian is stationed in Iraq and he takes tons of pictures of what is going on around him! Sure, some of them are of celebs on the USO tour, and some are of his buddies hanging around in camo, (that's him on the left)

but he also takes a ton of pictures of things going on with the Iraqi people. Meetings, humanitarian activities, kids playing, healing, smiling. I love watching his flickr stream for new pictures. I look at these images and think National Geographic...really I do Ian. They are beautiful!

I'm a little bit obsessed!

2009-01-12T01:42:00.000-08:00

The DIsney Do by mokistar

vintage picnic by mokistar

Modern day Mary Poppins by mokistar

Location Scouting by mokistar

I am in SOOOO much trouble!

2009-01-11T01:24:00.000-08:00

Shabby Professional by mokistar

I dont remember which blog I found the link for this website on. but I am in LOVE!!!! During a year in which I plan to revitalize my wardrobe to refelct both my plan for simple abundance and my true "moki style" I know I will be on this site for HOURS this year. CRUD! You can click on my image above to leave a comment on this set I created for meeting clients, or socializing with other photogs. And go create your own account here. If you do join, let me know so I can check out your sets! Now I need to go to bed! hahahaha

I gotta "Storey" for you

2009-01-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

I designed a new blog look for my bestie Jess! Go take a look here and let her know what you think. Personally I think it is soooo her. oh and tell her she MUST come visit me this summer!

So happy

2009-01-08T07:55:00.001-08:00

about this

"Get the Funk Out!"

2009-01-06T21:39:00.000-08:00

Jess and I were chatting tonight. Just complaining to each other AGAIN that there's nothing new on the web, not many people are updating, all the post holiday FUNK is still hanging around. Well not any more! We're going to start something new to "Get the Funk Out!." ~~I will update later tonight when it is all set up.~~

Details here

A dream come true ;)

2009-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

Someone Kidnapped my Kids

2009-01-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

and replaced them with cute obedient robots!!!!

I thought I'd start some new traditions for new year's day... make Hoppin' John for dinner, homemade winter spiced donuts and cocoa for dessert, and a photo session. The usual problem with planning ANYTHING around here, is that something is bound to go a little bit wrong... just a little loose thread and then the whole kit and caboodle unravels!

But not today...

Not for one single moment...

there was no fighting...

the kids followed directions...

T actually LOOKED IN THE CAMERA!!!

*sniff* it was the best day ever ;)

I think it started here in this teleporter disguised as a phone booth:

The donuts ended up being the failure today ;)Go see more pictures from today at my photo blog.

Abundantly

2008-12-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

After living a whole year w/o a word, I looked around at my life full of both magic and mess and decided on "abundantly" for this year which will encompass the words "simplify," "order," and "creativity." So excited for my year!

My journal this year has been full of lists. Things to do, things I am grateful for, things I want to remember. When my thoughts for the new year started to be penned, I quickly realized I needed more dividers in my daily planner. This planner is my life.. though I forget it about half the time... which is true of my real life as well ;) Everything I need or want in is my planner. It's a regular three ring binder with many tabbed sections. Here's the breakdown:

-inside pocket is for coupons and handouts, newsletters, and invitations that I need to read through and put on my calendar
-Mondo Beyondo List staring at me every time I open the book!
-Monthly gratitude lists to fill in every day (I hope)
-Calendar
-Lists: general to do, silly things to do (add certain songs to playlist, random ingredients to buy at the mexican market that aren't an essentiel staple, etc.), Books and videos to check out, Things to teach my kids, projects I need to work on, House master to do list (major cleaning, remodeling, organizing etc)

FOOD SECTION
-weekly menu
-grocery list

PHONE NUMBERS
-one main sheet for all family, utilities, usual take out places, and kids' schools
-List specifically for friends that lists their home and cel #'s birthdays, and email
-Telephone Tree list for Mr. T's class
-Church member list (this is a major sanity saver to always have with me!)

BUSINESS
-notes
-to do list
-pose ideas
-prop and clothing shopping list

HOME
-food storage
-gardening
-decorating
-living greener

ACTIVITIES
This section is super special. It encompasses everything good I want to do this year. Teaching my children, spending time with my friends and family, giving to the community, and all the ways to do these things

SPIRITUALITY
-a special place for notes, scriptures, and favorite messages printed out to read and ponder

CRAFTING (of course)
-ideas
-wardrobe ideas and shopping lists
-to do lists
-thrifting lists

That's it... for now...I am stoked!

Stay in a nice hotel for Christmas

2008-12-30T00:46:00.000-08:00

why?

1. Sleep number beds (or other special mattress)
2. Cable (for those of us that go without, this is a big treat)
3. If you are giving the kids PJs, clothing, socks, underwear, and a toothbrush for Christmas, there is no need to pack anything!
4. Gigantic sparkly Christmas trees in the lobby
5. Housekeeping will take out the wrapping paper trash for you
6. When you are ready to leave, all of the presents go back in the big laundry baskets you brought them in with, go straight home and if you're really disciplined, straight into the bedrooms! ;)

This was our second year at the hotel for Christmas and I've decided there just is no other way to do Christmas! The regular stresses I experience at home (trash, toys everywhere, etc.) are gone and the kids and I feel like we got a special vacation!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T10:21:00.001-08:00

Not just because she's french, and has a cute hair cut

2008-12-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

but she totally reminds me of Amelie

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo

I thought I was feeling grinchy

2008-12-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

But somehow, someway,

I felt Christmas in my heart today!

Ok, maybe not that sappy. I haven't been sleeping so well. I'm not sure what is up exactly, I may be clenching my jaw during my slumber, I am having daily head aches and sore teeth, or maybe it's a very small cold causing all the discomfort??? but in any case, I've been not so Christmasy this week and feeling nervous about my list that doesn't seem to get shorter. I hate getting out of bed in the morning and hate going to bed at night. I've got more complaining to do but... I am feeling better.

After I dragged myself from underneath the covers and then dragged my butt off the couch, I got dressed, dressed the 2 littles and went visiting teaching to a sister I adore. I had to make an emergency drive over to C-bugs school to pop a blood blister (the girl has a smaller pain threshold than her 1 year old sister) I picked up drinks for B and I and we went home and got crafting. And the grinchy funk was gone

I'm sorry you had to sit through that! LOL!

The picture above: This year for my side of the family, we are only doing stockings and have a$5 limit. I wasn't very happy with what I was finding out there for $5 for kiddos so for my 3 and 5 year old nieces I whipped up a cookie kit (inspired by one I saw on flickr) but made mine to have roll out dough and cookies you "cut out" with a cookie cutter and then decorate (by flipping them over.) For their baby sister I sewed up a little hedgehog with a bell inside.

Miss C wasn't the only sista to get injured today. Miss B learned the hard way that baby sisters are a lot like kittens, play too rough with them and they are likely to claw your face off!

Crafting for Christmas

2008-12-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

The kids have been making scrabble tile pendants for necklaces and key chains for their aunties, grandmas, and teachers. I followed this tutorial from "Make and Takes." I let the kids use the cut out paper frame to find just the right design for each pendant. They did all the decoupaging. I did all the sanding and glazing and drilling the whole parts (I used little hanging eyelet things instead of the hard to find bails.

I still have a handful of Christmas Crafting to do... gonna find just the right movie to turn on and get some of it done tonight.

If you need some ideas here is the BEST LIST EVER!!!

December Daily: Cookie Exchange

2008-12-09T17:07:00.001-08:00

Feelin' Mischievous

2008-12-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hittin' the Hard Stuff

2008-12-05T21:14:00.000-08:00

I am quickly realizing that a large part of Christmas, for me, is in food consumption. Certain things must be made, bought, eaten, sipped, mixed, shared. I’m sure it won’t help my figure one bit, but it sure helps with that Christmas spirit.

Food? Help with the Christmas spirit? I’m sure it’s true but it sounds rather fickle. But not so.

First there’s the nostalgia, the comfort of revisiting the past, sharing traditions with my children like using a good candy cane pierced through an orange’s skin to suck out the juice or decorating a gingerbread house.

And sharing the food. A cookie exchange, bringing sweets to the sisters I visit teach, sliding some of our goodies mom’s way in hopes that she’ll recipricate.

And of course the indulgence of the holiday. Spending a whole day shopping for others, considering their needs and wants, driving and walking all over to accomplish this. (can you see the bags under my eyes?) Nothing helps take the edge off of selfless Christmas shopping like a mug of cocoa and a peppermint stick.

"It's Christmas Day!" said Scrooge to himself. "I haven't missed it."

2008-12-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

(my page for my December Daily Journal)

Skating away (on the thin ice of a new day)

2008-12-03T22:57:00.001-08:00

First thing I see this morning when I log into flickr is these cuties Molly journaled about and then discovered a couple more (the felt kind) while going through my blogs. So I gave in, bought some HUGE paper clips (they are like 2-3 inches big!) I want to make 5 more pair (theres 12 clips per box) but I'm feeling a bit grinchy, or scroogy, or perhaps I'm feeling like a mom worked to death and sorely under appreciated! hahaha I think I know how to solve my ba hum bugs...

All Cozy in Bedford Falls

2008-12-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

In my opinion, this is the one movie that must be watched every year. I want to roll myself up in a blanket of old fashioned styles and mannerisms. I want to put my arm around good ol' George Bailey and take a stroll through Bedford Falls. I want a dish of chocolate ice cream with "coconuts" while I flip through a National Geographic. I want to make wishes by throwing stones through windows and have them come true. I cry every year in the same sweet spots, when George gets his ears slapped back by Mr. Gower, when George finally realizes he's in love with Mary, and when he comes home after seeing the world without him in it.

It's a hard year this year, in some ways. I'm going to soak up all of Bedford Falls, the Bailey's, and "Buffalo Girls" that I can and make this Christmas count.

Christmas Cartoon

2008-12-02T11:01:00.001-08:00

I've got a handful of these saved to show my kids. Love finding these gems on youtube!

Trying to Start December Right (first gift for you)

2008-12-01T23:32:00.001-08:00

I tried! I really did, but I stayed up too late like I always do and got a little impatient today. I was really worried about starting my December Daily Journal and even though the tree was up and decorating it could commence, I wasn't sure it would be enough to bring me out of a small funk. And it wasn't... but I did my best to keep a smile on, did enjoy the moment when the 3 oldest slid under the tree to look up at the lights and Little Miss E had to join them to see what all the fuss was a bout...my baby isn't a baby anymore, she's got an eager to learn soul.

After things settled down, after peppermint cocoa and some Christian Slater I sat down to do my regular time wasting but thoroughly enjoyable blog reading and got inspired to make a present for my neighbors. In the 8 Christmas's we have spent here we have never made our neighbors anything for Christmas... it's not such a big thing here. But I really want to do it this year. So I whipped up some things in photo shop. It's an advent box of Christmas activities.

I styled the box after Heather's I think the actual pattern she has up will fit the cards... it was just easier to do it myself.

To get the activity cards for yourself and your neighbor gifts, click these links (and do it fast, it's the 2nd already!):
page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
blank set

The Last Day

2008-11-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if I have ever blogged for so many days. Because of Thanksgiving I did end up missing 3 days, but really blogging every day is only a bit difficult.

I am looking forward to next month, making cookies, finishing up presents, doing my December Daily Album, caroling with the kids, loads of stuff... and a couple of freebie patterns to come too! I'm all about free! Aren't you?!

Home Again

2008-11-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

Have you been to Durango? We sure love it there! I took the above shot on a very very rare childless moment. Grandma agreed to watch all of the kiddos so my sister Nicole and I could do a little errand running on Friday. This is Deitz Market. It's a fun trendy stop on the way into town. Loads of tourists in their fur lined vests and suede boots.

So the first day: We loaded up most of the kids in my sisters big SUV for the trip up there! MMMM can you say heated seats for mamas and built in dvd player for the kiddos. We made 4 potty stops on the drive up. A 3 hour trip quickly became 4hours. Here's our car full of girls:

When we got there on Wednesday, we knew rain was coming. I went out immediately for a run, got 5 minutes out and got a phone call that my B had an (bathroom) accident, so I turned around to go help out. I figured I could catch an early run on Thanksgiving. But we woke to rain on Thursday. I love waking to rain! And it was great cloudy cold rain. Then just as the Macy's Day Parade Santa made his appearance, it began to snow! It was like magic! I thought for sure it would pass but it only got thicker and began sticking all over the valley. I laid down for a nap when there was only a light dusting and woke up to this:

By the end of the night we had another 4 or 5 inches

The next day (before our trip to Deitz), my sister and I hung around the house with our kiddos while everyone else went shopping. We had to chase of a small herd of deer eating grandmas landscaping

We had good food, had some fun with my brother and sister, enjoyed the parade down main street, but I think we'll be waiting a few years before we do it again... a bit too many littles under the age of 5 and no dads around to help made it pretty difficult for my sister and I. Anyone have any good fun suggestions for next year? ;)

Baking with B (a good reason to not work)

2008-11-25T23:11:00.001-08:00

You know I love working. I love running off to some location and running around for an hour with anyone who doesn't call me "mommy." And then I love the quiet time I have a night, editing pictures, putting up galleries, and sending in orders. But all that fun added to the responsibilities I have during the holidays leaves me a very tired and stressed gal.

Instead of working today, Miss B and I made Hubs a birthday cake (German Chocolate, his favorite, my least favorite... it is always a little too dry for my taste and I'm allergic to the nummy frosting but eat a little bit of it anyway!!!)

After the cakes got into the oven we made pumpkin scones to take to CO. She begged me to make MnM scones, peppermint scones, chocolate scones...anything but pumpkin scones... she's not a fan.

Remembering

2008-11-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

The kids and I leave tomorrow to drive up to CO to spend Thanksgiving with my grandma. This is what we do most years. She lives in one of those great old mining towns with a great old steam engine, and a great old main street. Every year on the day after Thanksgiving the town has a citizens parade down main street. Everyone meets at the park at one end of the street and walks down the 5 or 6 blocks caroling. At the end of the street is where the train station is, Santa waiting with cocoa and cookies. It is the one thing we must do each year to really usher in the holiday season. Last year we all stayed here and had them come down...it just wasn't the same.

This year we will celebrating without my grandpa who unexpectedly died from an infection last spring. We'll sure miss him, his tradition of us all saying something we are thankful for before we pray for our Thanksgiving dinner, walking by his office and seeing his face all lit up by the computer, him shuffling into the kitchen and breaking out the oreos.

This whole year has gotten me to thinking about not loosing the connections I have with new and old friends. About getting to know people and being real. I've been wanting to start documenting stories my grandma tells me. Things I dont want to forget about her. Ali Edwards posted some great links to NPR's National Day of Listening project, complete with a question generator encouraging people to listen to each other's stories. Also if you are participating in Jessica Sprague's "Stories in Hand" class then you'll have plenty of prompts for questions to ask a loved one, to get their stories out. If you can, record one of the interviews. I have a recording of my great grandma from about 30 years ago. It's so nice to pop it in a tape deck (hahaha) and hear her voice again.

(btw this is my favorite picture of my grandparents and my grandma would kill me if she knew it was on the internet! But this was after we had all just walked down main street 3 years ago. My grandpa, who loved his family so much but very very rarely showed it with words and even more rarely with physical touch, he and my grandma got a little goofy with each other in one of these rare moments and my grandma threw her arms around him, gave him a little shake, and then planted a kisser right on his cheek and he didnt even flinch :)

inspire

2008-11-24T22:59:00.001-08:00

Taking a break

2008-11-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

(Just some of my recent flick faves)

We had a yummy evening. I pulled out the Candy Cane Oreos, turned on "Elf", pulled out some of my crafting, let the kids (and the hubs) be a little wild.

C and I were watching "White Christmas" on the computer last night and the monitor crapped out! It totally went blank. We're picking one up from my FIL tomorrow, but I'd really like to get mine fixed...right now we're using an oldie the size of a small boulder!!! Maybe yours is that size? But for the last 4 years we've been using a a wide screen flat screen dealy and I'm just not used to it. argh! Technology has me in a death grip!

The Good Neighbor

A little spiral

A little spiral

Clouds: thrifted and stitched

Deer Me

Feed Your Soul

Blog redesign

I *heart* boden

I might "bee" selling this???

Focus

oh wednesday...

One Word?

hmmm

Puttin' Around the House Junkyard Style

The World is Too Much With Me

The Thrift God's Do Listen

me on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

Duke's First Annual Polar Express Party

Clearance boys shirt = cute top for E

daily december (14)

me and e on dec 14

me today dec 13

december 13

december 12

december 11

Dec 11 me standing on the toilet

December Daily December 10

dec 10

dec 7

dec 5

dec 4

December 3

december 2

Thrifted Clearance outfit #2

Wardrobe Wednesday

December 1: Peppermint chip cookies, sould food for the tired soul

Digital December Daily

parody+Muppets+Queen= happy me

A Give Away at Cardigan Cake

I'm in

Movies to see

Was supposed to be

It's not too early to enjoy peppermint, right?

It's November... time to blog every day ;)

Disney Trip Giveaway!

moving... sorta

The Disney Month of Fun!

VIntage Flower Bobby Pins

I Tumble for You

The Homemade Pirate Game

My Garden

The Mini Vacation Book

I'll be back

Sugar Saucers

This is NOT a food blog... but who's complaining?

Mmmm Dinner

You might not be mormon

Jess wuz here!

The Mr.

I'm not allowed to complain... and neither are you

An Avocado Baby

Making a Quilt

Valentines Day

I Should Say...

posted on facebook

Get the Funk Out (word of the year challenge)

Anyone for Cardigan Cake?

I was up VERY late

Lunch

New Get the Funk Out challenge!

Ian

I'm a little bit obsessed!

I am in SOOOO much trouble!

I gotta "Storey" for you

So happy

"Get the Funk Out!"

A dream come true ;)

Someone Kidnapped my Kids

Abundantly

I heart boden