Spence's birthday celebrations...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy 7th Birthday to my special boy...

Today is Spence's birthday and I want him to know how much I adore him. Spence is one of those kids that takes life in strides and turns everything into fun. This can be bad sometimes, but mostly it's a good thing. Spence is ALWAYS smiling and mostly happy, unless one of his siblings is harassing him. He has such a kind heart and very fun loving. He's full of beans and keeps us laughing. He rarely let's anything get under his skin and would do anything for anyone. He's also super independent and pretty much takes care of all of his needs, on his own. (he wouldn't have it any other way)  He's such a joy to have around and we love him dearly. 

So, with that said, "let the fun begin".

 We'll be celebrating tonight, with our family, at Bonsai (family tradition), then tomorrow is the big

"friend birthday party". We're going to Lake shore Learning for a fun-filled "Science" party. Then we'll head over to Bellisimo's for cake and gelato. 

I hope Spence has the best birthday ever.....he deserves it!

This is a picture of Spence's birthday invitation. I made it at scrapblog.com and sent the final product to Costco.com and they mailed the invites right to my home. Sooooooo fun and easy. 

Here are a bunch of pictures that make me smile. 

Love you little buddy...

I love this picture of Spence sneaking in to Marie's dance picture

Spence with big sis
Spence loves swimming with his siblings

pre-school program

baby Spence with Aunt Ju

First halloween

I couldn't get him to take his costume off for his nap

Surfing the beaches of San Diego

There's ALWAYS something to smile about

Top of Snowbird

Annual trip to St. George for Easter

First trip to New Port Beach 

Second trip to New Port

cute rosy cheeks

Helping the doc check mommies tummy

 (ignore the double chin, this is me, only 50lbs. heavier)

Halloween 2006

Spence loves his little sis

One of Spence's best buds

Still smiling with the sun in his eyes

St. George last year

Halloween 2008

Loves his grandpa and grandma

Friends ready for trick-or-treating

Spence cuddling with grandma CC

and with his Vovo

Playing wii 

Trip to Moab last summer

Lost his 2 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth within 3 weeks

so happy to play with sis

what sweet "puppy" eyes

What up?

Spence loves his big bro

Happy Birthday!

What would you do?

I know this may seem like a vain post, and yes it is, but I need something to distract me from the winter blues, so, I need a change. This is my ugly drab hair.....brown and stringy. I am thinking about either going super dark with maybe some red or highlight with golds and blonde's.....what do you think I should do? 

(December 2008)

Since I've already been every color under the sun, I thought I'd show you a few different pictures and colors. Here I am with blond highlights. (2006)

This is another blond do. (2004)

Another blond picture. I guess it's pretty UN-natural looking. (2006)

So, here I am with super dark hair. (and no make-up) What do you think of this color? Is it too dark? Would it look better if I added some red? (2005) 

Maybe I need to chop it off....hmmm....that's an idea!

As you can see from the dates, I change my hair like I change my clothes, but I still feel the need to make another change, so......help! I need a fresh new look for 2009!

What would you do?

A few thoughts on Joseph...

Last night was "family night" and Joseph was in charge of giving the lesson. I always allow my kids to choose their own topic, but we've been using this book for the past 3 years and it works great. The lessons are simple, easy and most importantly, short and to the point. 

Joseph picked his topic (the widow's mite), read the lesson and was ready to go by 7:00. He also got a bright idea right before it was his turn to take charge. He decided to crochet a hat during FHE. I tell you, when that kid puts his mind to something....look out, there's no stopping him. Here's his final product. I think we are going to crochet hats again this year for our family project. Imagine how many we'll have by next winter, if we start now...

Also, Sunday was a big day for one of Joseph's best friends, Nathan. Nate earned his Eagle Scout this week.....way to go! He is such a good kid and a great example to Joseph and the rest of their friends. I think this inspired Joseph to "get on it". 

I made sure my entire family came to support Nate on this very special day. I not only want Nate to know we love and support him, but I also want my kids to feel the severity and importance of such an amazing accomplishment. My kids sat still and quite for one solid hour, with no crying, whining or goofing around. I was proud of them. I could tell they understood what was going on. I am so grateful for the gospel and I'm constantly moved by situations that take place around me. I feel such a closeness to my Savior and feel His love in my life, especially through my kids. I hope and pray, with the help of my Savior, I'm able to teach my kids basic gospel principles, so that they will be able to grow and become good examples and citizens. I at least feel we are moving in the right direction, even though somedays are really hard.

Valentine recipe of the week...

Are you salivating over these rolls? You should be because they are ..... 

Oh soooooo good!

I found this recipe the other day and decided Sunday was the perfect day to try it out. The vanilla pudding in the recipe caught my eye right away. Who would have thought vanilla pudding in a cinnamon roll recipe.....not me, but honestly, it makes the rolls. I decided to take this recipe one step further and turn them into hearts. It was really fun and my kids helped every step of the way, from rolling to sprinkling to frosting to cleaning up the giant mess. It was the perfect Sunday activity. We'll definitely make them again soon!

Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Rolls:


½ cup warm water


2 tablespoons active dry yeast


2 tablespoons sugar


3 ½ ounce package instant vanilla pudding


½ cup butter, melted


2 eggs


1 teaspoon salt


6+ cups flour

Filling:


1 cup butter, softened to room temperature


2 cups brown sugar


4 teaspoons cinnamon

Frosting:


8 ounces cream cheese


½ cup butter, softened to room temperature


1 teaspoon vanilla


3 cups confectioner’s sugar


2-3 tablespoons milk

In a small bowl combine water, yeast and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside. In large bowl, take pudding mix and prepare according to package directions. Add butter, eggs and salt. Mix well. Then add yeast mixture. Blend. Gradually add flour; knead until smooth. Do not over flour the dough! It should be very soft but not sticky. Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled. Then roll out on floured board to 34 X 21 inches in size. Take 1 cup soft butter and spread over surface. In bowl, mix 2 cups brown sugar and 4 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle over the top. Roll up very tightly. With knife put a notch every 1 1/2 inches. Cut with thread or serrated knife. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise until double again. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Remove when they start to turn golden (don’t over bake). Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting (combine butter and cream cheese and mix well, then add vanilla and sugar and mix again, then add milk for desired consistency). Makes about 24 very large rolls.

sprinkling...

rolling...
raising...

Enjoying...

Ta-DA

Here's the final (heart) product. I made a few changes to the frosting recipe. 

 I added pink food coloring and a little bit of almond

extract. (I'm in love with almond extract)

 It's amazing how something this beautiful can vanish so quickly.

Honey......I'm home!!!!

I'm drooling over this house. Isn't it dreamy? 

Can you imagine living here?

If I could plop this house on my lot, I'd never leave home again. What would my neighbors think?

I'm officially in the mood for Valentine's Day....bring it!

Talent show...

Marie is playing the piano, with my mom today, for her "Activity Days" talent show. Here is a little snippet of the songs she'll be playing. Marie is so cute, but doesn't like it when I video tape her performing. She gets a little nervous..... I guess I don't blame her, I would be nervous too. She played her pieces perfectly off camera. Thanks for helping Marie out today Mom, especially on your b-day!

So, I have a pretty sweet deal going with my mom. She teaches my kids piano and I cut both her and my dad's hair. It seems to work really well, although, I might be getting the better bargain!

 shhhh.... don't tell!

January 23rd is a big day and a big deal...

Happy Birthday.... 

to the best momgrandmawifeauntcousindaughterneighborfriend on earth!

This is a special day for our family. We have so much to be thankful for and celebrate because of this one special lady....my momma! (her endearing name)

 She is the type of person you can trust completely and can confide your deepest, darkest secrets to and she'll never judge you.... only love you more! I love this quality about her and I've seen her do this amazing act many times with so many people. She is a wonderful example to me and my family. She has a pure heart and a forgiving outlook on life.

What can I say....

I completely lucked out in life with the

coolest, bestest, sweetest, nicest, prettiest, funniest, wittiest, kindest, loveliest, smartest, generous mom, a girl could ask for.

 She is my best friend

 my example

my rock

 my confidant

 my buddy

 my kids best friend

my gossip pal

 (only for good of course)

my teacher

my mom

  and I love her dearly!

Hope you have the best Birthday ever....We love you!