Kelsey's projects.

Just a small post for today to keep you informed on my life. Today I am finishing my first tricot quilt! Hooray! It didn't take me long to quilt the pattern on it but the binding part has been slow moving (because mom has been busy). The best part about this project is that for Christmas lex bought me the quilting frames like the glendennings. They are small and made from PVC pipe. I told him that I really enjoyed quilting my little tricot blanket so he got me the frame so I can make more. Hopefully I get faster and better at it. Now I can attack my next project which is to make Williams cowboy bedding. I will get to use my new seeing machine on this one and supposedly it is an easier pattern so it would take mom one day to finish it but as for me it may take three months! I will keep you posted on my progress!

Pertussis ... the Whooping Cough

Today I paid a visit to the Health Department to get a TDAP booster shot. Linley is current on hers, and Darin got it before we went to China a few years ago, but I was pregnant so I never got it. A few months ago, the vaccine became acceptable for pregnant women to get. If not, I would have gotten it right after I delivered just to protect the baby.

Earlier this week I read this article about the record number of Pertussis cases in Utah County, and decided I needed to find out more about the vaccine, especially because it can be fatal for babies who don't get the vaccine until 2 months. And last year, I read about the heartbreaking death of Baby Gavin here. 

If you don't know about Pertussis, or if you're not sure you're up on immunizations or boosters - read up. There's lots of info on the web. I know immunizations are a highly debated topic right now - but I thought I'd at least pass on this info.

Family Fun Calender

Each month Breckon's Kindergarten teacher sends home a Family Fun Calender with an activity to do together each day (in addition to his sight words, and weekly homework packet...we stay pretty busy around here). Anyway, I've been wanting to share for awhile, but I don't know how to scan,etc. So I'm just going to type a list of the activities for this month. You can pick/choose which ones you do, but some of them are really fun & are things I wouldn't usually think of. They only take a few minutes, but my kids really look forward to doing it together. Here they are:

Make shapes with playdoh.

How many ways can you say the ABC's?

Stack blocks. How high can you stack them?

Go outside at night. Can you see stars? What do you hear?

Make up a story about a toy who could talk.

Wad up paper and pretend to have a snowball fight (for those of us in the desert).

Learn how to say "please" and "thank you" in sign language (alspro.com)

What sound does the letter M make? Find things that start with that sound.

Look at a map or globe. Where is the land? Where is the water?

Draw a map of your bedroom.

Say and act out "Little Jack Horner".

Help wash the dishes.

Make popcorn for a snack.

Do something special for someone in your family.

What is your city? State? Country?

How many fingers and toes in your family?

Make a gift for someone you love.

Pretend to read a book by looking at the pictures.

Play hide & go seek in your house.

Tiptoe like a mouse. March like a soilder.

Make a card for someone you love.

Talk about gifts you would like to give others.

Play "Ring arond the Rosie".

Punch holes in greeting cards. Sew through the holes with yarn.

Run in place. How long can you run?

Smile all day.

Play a card game.

Write a thank you note.

Draw a picture of your favorite holiday in the year.

What is a new year's resolution? Can you think of one?

For every 5 activities, the kids get a Ladybuck at school...it's so fun! Hope you will try it!

Love you all...Merry Christmas!

Lacey

Santa came early!

We have had a big 24 hours at our house. Some of you may know that our kids asked Santa for a puppy this year. Lacey and I found little Yorkie puppy brothers that we fell in love with a couple months ago. Last week they arrived and have been staying at my neighbors home until Christmas. Yesterday we hot home from skiing in Brian ahead to find that our puppy had been sick all day and wasn't keeping any food down. Our neighbor is a vet, and we met him at his office last night. X-rays showed a blockage in his intestine that wasn't allowing anything to pass. (a couple days earlier my neighbor saw one puppy throw up something small and pink, but before they could get to it our puppy had eaten it). He gave him some mineral oil and anti nausea shot, hoping he could pass the blockage by morning. After a long night of syringe feeding the little guy liquid food, he was still not keeping anything down. We had to choose Between surgery or putting him down. Jay and I were able to watch the surgery which revealed a small doll head that was lodged in his intestine. The surgery went well, but it will require some constant TLC to nurse our one pound pup back to health. Santa called to let our kids know that he needed to deliver one of their presents early. Barkley was the name that stuck... And we all love him (even Savannah ome a long way in overcoming her fear of dogs). W can't wait to see him running around and feeling better!

I have pictures but will have to upload them tomorrow from my other computer.

Happy Holidays!

Happy, Happy Birthday!

December can be a hard month for birthdays - and we have a few in this family. Today just happens to be Darin's 29th Birthday so I thought I'd share something I'm doing and some birthday inspiration I've been seeing around the blogosphere.

First up, this is just a little something I threw together. It's a 29 things we love about Darin banner. All I did was type them up, cut them out, and attach them to a string using mini clothespins.

By the way, the mini clothespins are one of my favorite things. I keep a bag of them in my desk drawer as well as a mid sized clothespin and I use them a lot. You can buy them at Wal-Mart.

To see other birthday ideas, check out my Birthday Board on Pinterest.

Projects!!

I feel like I have been doing nothing but plugging away (or not) at projects lately! Just like all of you there are neighbor gifts, shopping, holiday parties, Christmas cards, etc. I've tackled a few but have plenty left to do. Last night we finished getting Scott's office put together, he didn't move locations just rooms. He had the walls painted grey, we put together a book shelf and then put everything up on the walls. It looks great! I wish I would have taken a picture.


My advent calendar (currently) but I ordered paper and it arrived yesterday! Hopefully this little project will be finished up this week --- just in time for the 12 Days of Christmas?!

 I need to get on the search for more fabric for my bench pillows! I heard that JoAnn's has great fabric but haven't had a chance to go wait in their line to have fabric cut (I've never been there when it wasn't a LONG wait!).

 Christmas cards. I think the season is about wrapped up, just this one below left to finish. This family is in Disneyland right now and they want to use a picture from the trip for the back of the card. I'm anxious to get this finished up!

 The Elder's Quorum Presidency is in charge of our ward Christmas party this year. Scott is pretty easy going but I think he's feeling the pressure on this one. I am making these centerpieces this week out of old paint cans. We also have to put together a little area for the stage and santa, trees, chair, fireplace, etc. We're well on our way but a party for 350 is a big undertaking!!

 Spenny has really been into art lately so I have these little pictures all over my house. I thought it would be fun to put some on the wall in his room, so we put this up yesterday. Frames are just $2 at Ikea! Notice the nativity scene on the top middle. He said Joseph and Mary are holding hands singing a Christmas song.

I hope everyone is having a great December! 

One more thing, everyone should have received their CD in the mail, but I heard it doesn't show the playlist. Sorry! Here it is: 

Let It Be Christmas 4:10 Alan Jackson

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town 4:11 Lonestar

O Come, All Ye Faithful 3:28 George Strait

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year 2:58 Garth Brooks

Baby, It's Cold Outside 3:34 Lady Antebellum

Silent Night 2:44 Blake Shelton

Sleigh Ride 3:27 Garth Brooks

Winter Wonderland 3:30 Brad Paisley

O Holy Night 3:49 Martina McBride

Jingle Bells 2:52 Kenny Chesney

Last Christmas 3:28 Taylor Swift

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 3:40 Carrie Underwood

Jingle Bell Rock 2:57 Rascal Flatts

Away In a Manger 2:28 The Judds

Christmases When You Were Mine 3:04 Taylor Swift

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 4:03 Vince Gill

I have loved The fun Christmas music so far... Mine, kelseys and Laceys are packaged and will be in the mail tomorrow. If your Peter B. CD skips... I'm sorry. I included another CD of local artists... And if you want another of PB let me know and I will get you one.

On another note... A student at Pine View is doing an internship with the Pano Guys... Check out the videos on this link... I was impressed.

www.thepianoguys.com/music/

Check your Inboxes ...

... to access our contribution to the Christmas song sharing.

I haven't forgotten about the blog

Sorry... I feel bad I haven't been able to post anything for the past few weeks so I decided to jumble all my posts into one. First of all, I sent everyone OUR Christmas cd. What started out as a project for both Michael and I ended up being all him. You'll be able to tell which songs are his favorites (like Alabama).
Here is the playlist:
1. Christmas in Dixie - Alabama
2. Christmas Lights - Coldplay
3. Jingle Bells - Diana Krall
4. Winter Song - Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson
5. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Harry Connick Jr.
6. Baby, it's Cold Outside - James Taylor
7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Diana Krall
8. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - Vocal Point
9. There is a Star that Shines Tonight - Sheryl Crow
10. Winter Wonderland - Diana Krall
11. River - Sarah McLachlan
12. Auld Lang Syne - Ben Rector

Hope you all enjoy!

It was fun to have everyone down for Thanksgiving. My parents, Kennedi, and Rod and Michelle all made the trip down to visit us. Our apartment is tiny so Thanksgiving dinner here was nice and cozy. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way :) The highlight of the weekend was our little waxing party. We kept trying to get Rod to wax the inside of his nose but he chickened out. He settled on just doing the outside...

We had a lot of fun decorating the apartment for Christmas. Thanks mom, dad, and Kenn for all the help... we couldn't have done it without you guys! 

our first Christmas tree :)

love the subway art... thanks Court!

my mom made us this adorable Christmas quilt, pillow, and advent calendar

probably my most favorite Christmas decoration... monogrammed stockings from ballard designs. i'm a little obsessed with cheetah print :)

Happy Holidays!

Right now I am sitting at Champion gymnastics watching Will. He is one of two boys among many many girls, and he is all boy! The teacher is across the gym and Will is yelling across the gym telling her about his daddy's football cleats. He won't participate with the class until they get to the trampoline, but when they get to the tramp he wants to do everything 5 times. He is hilarious to watch, I wish I could post a video from my phone, I will work on that!

Anyways, today I am posting a recipe for moms Brie cheese and bread appetizer. It is one of my favorites and I am making it for tomorrow so I thought I would share. All you do is peel a brick of Brie cheese and put in a glass dish, cover with lots of brown sugar and caramel, add craisins or pecans if you want. Melt in the oven at around 300 degrees until it melts. Enjoy with small cubes of yummy bread!

Gingerbread Houses

One of my favorite memories since Darin and I have been married - is making Gingerbread houses in Pine Valley. I searched for pictures of that weekend, but can't seem to find them. Dang. Mom Michelle had gone to a lot of work to make pretty substantial gingerbread houses for each couple. Several batches of royal icing later and bags and bags of candy - and we had some award winning gingerbread houses on our hands. Okay, not really - but I thought they were pretty impressive.

I was mostly impressed because we'd always just used gingerbread kits from the store growing up - and after today - I know why.

You all probably know I follow hundreds of blogs and pin on Pinterest so my head is inundated with ideas on a daily basis. I kept seeing fun gingerbread activities and projects and decided I'd go the easy route, and make some gingerbread houses out of the graham crackers I had in my pantry today. We have company coming into town this weekend, and I thought it'd be a fun activity to do with the kids - and even better if the houses were already put together.

I made two batches of royal icing, and I'm still not sure I got it right. My houses are lopsided and who knows if they'll stay put. I guess it doesn't really matter, but this is one of those annual activities I'd like to become a little better at. If anyone has tips, send them my way. And, I vote for another gingerbread house making Pine Valley weekend. Maybe I could get some pointers from Michelle then?

I can't wait to decorate our little houses. Isn't that always the best part? In the meantime, here are some fun Gingerbread links.

Gingerbread Playdough

Gingerbread Party with Free Printables

Graham Cracker Inspiration

Now, I'm off to bed. I'm working the morning shift tomorrow and 3 AM comes early. Wish me luck!

Is it Tuesday already??

Ha ha ha...did you like the title? I think it's been over a month since my last post. Please know that I have thought of blogging, I even logged in last Tuesday, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I HAVE BEEN SO VERY SICK!! Have you all heard that enough from me? I keep saying if you don't want to hear me complain, don't call me on the phone because I just can't help myself.

I taught Sunday School for the first time in over a month on Sunday (see, you're not the only ones I've been neglecting)- and we talked about enduring trials with patience...not my strong suit. Anyway, the good news is that I'm feeling a little better. Instead of several times all day long, I've only been throwing up once or twice every two days! I'd say that's improvement!!

So, the good news is: 1. I'm back to feeling like my old self (mostly). 2. The Justin Bieber CD's have been burned and are ready to mail (hopefully tomorrow). 3. I am definitely pregnant with baby #4 and while the thought of the reality that is going to kick in around June 25th is absolutely overwhelming...I am feeling very excited and grateful! Now that I'm not so sick I'm going to try and enjoy my (possibly final) pregnancy.

Other updates: Breckon is still being a little stinker. Already today he has told me I'm a baby, a stupid idiot, and the worst mom EVER! I dont' know, I think he may have a point...
Sadie is adorable and sweet. While she hates Santa and doesn't want him to bring her any presents this year, she would like some from me and Kenny (her prince, who she talks about non-stop. Today out of nowhere she turned to me and said "Mom, I want to dance with my prince.") Annabel has been sick all week and everytime she passes gas she stops, smiles and says "cuz me"...pretty adorable and quite a crowd pleaser when we are in public! Kenny is at work all of the time- the past two weeks he has put in enough overtime to pay off our credit cards (if only he was getting paid by the hour still...)
I am starting to think about my Christmas shopping as of this week and I have actually bought two presents, so I think I'm off to a great start!

That's about all. I hope you will forgive me for my neglect, and I will try to have some type of fun and useful post next week! Love you all...

Best French Toast Ever!

FRENCH TOAST
Bread: 
Aspen Mills Cinnamon Chip Bread (find at Sam's Club, Fresh Market)
Dip bread in a mixture of: 
Eggs
Cinnamon (sprinkle generously because most of it goes to the side)
Tsp. Vanilla
Milk (just a little)


SYRUP
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 Tablespoons corn syrup
1 Teaspoon baking powder
Combine and then bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low (but still boiling). Stirring frequently let it cook for about 8 minutes or until syrup is golden brown. Remove from heat and add: 
1 Teaspoon vanilla


We think this will make a great Christmas morning breakfast!

Christmas Crafts

Materials
Food processor or cheese grater
4 (4.5-ounce) bars of Ivory soap
8 tiny plastic toys
Instructions
Use a food processor fitted with the grater attachment to shred the four bars of soap. (You can also grate the bars by hand with a cheese grater.) Pour the soap pieces into a large bowl.
With your hands, mix in about a half cup of lukewarm water, a little bit at a time, until the mixture is squishy and claylike.
For each snowball, scoop up a heaping handful of soap and mold it into a ball. Poke a deep hole in the center with your finger, insert a toy, and refill the hole. Lay the finished snowballs on a cookie sheet and let them dry thoroughly. Makes 8.

I have been searching for a fun Christmas craft to do with my kids this year. if anyone has fun ideas I would love to hear them. A few years ago my kids and I made these fun soaps and gave them as gifts. My kids loved making them and using them. We used small reindeer that I found at the dollar store as the hidden surprise.

Countdown to Christmas

Tomorrow is December 1st! We're getting ready to start our Countdown to Christmas - and a few other things ... some birthdays and a baby! We all got fun countdowns last year, and I added another to my collection for this year. I wanted to have an activity a day to keep us busy during the month. I'm sure we'll add more as we think of things we want to do, but here is a little list in the meantime. You can download the Advent Activity cards here. I printed them on photo paper and had them laminated so we can use them over and over.

I mostly filled each box with candy - eventually I'd like to fill each box with something that goes along with each activity. Paper and pens when it's time to write letters to Santa, etc.

Some fun 2011 Memories...