johansson life in rewind

deux

2012-01-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

This time exactly two years ago I was getting my membranes stripped. Ahh, memories.

Fast forward to today and I am going through something equally painful. Okay maybe not as painful as that, but getting a two year old to take a nap, in a bed and with no pacifier can feel like torture. Someone must have filled August in on the secret mom oath, that you won't get after your kids about anything on their birthdays. It took me an extra hour to get him to sleep, but now he is and all is right with the world again.

So I am taking advantage of the quiet for a few hours before we go and celebrate at Chuck E. Cheese. Maybe I will spend it thinking about #3 and how much our family LOVES him. Most likely though it will get spent picking up all the cute messes #3 makes.

Happy Birthday Goosey!

aloha

2011-12-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

I know I promised to wrap up Bijou Market this week. But after one crazy week it will just have to wait, because the Aloha state is calling my name. Chad and I are leaving for Hawaii today sans the kids {always bittersweet.} So while all of you are getting right into the thick of Christmas preparations I will be lounging on the sand, or hiking to a waterfall, or having the most amazing shaved ice ever, well you get the point.

But I don't want to bum you out too much so I will let you locals in on one of my families most favorite Holiday Traditions, that sadly we will miss this year. The Living Nativity.

Head North on Main Street in Alpine, and when you see the L.D.S. church with all the cars, you made it. Your kids will love it and don't forget your camera for some great photo ops.

the actual address is 900 N main st. Alpine UT if you want to google it.

Enjoy and I will see you next week.

half way there

2011-11-21T21:32:00.000-08:00

I am smack dab in the middle of the Bij. I am having an extremely hard time getting excited for anything because all my mind can process right now is things that start with Bijou and end with Market. Thanksgiving being three days away and Hawaii a mere 8 days after that is not even registering with me.

Having said this, I do need you to understand that as stressful as this crazy circus of a life is right now, it is by far the most amazing, fun, thrilling, and energizing thing in my life. Provo was as always wonderful. It is always fun to see old faces and make new Bijou friends.

Spending two days straight with these lovelies makes bijou over the top for me which makes me so glad that we get another day this coming Saturday. So if you were feeling blue because you didn't get down to Provo this weekend cheer up, we will be up in Taylorsville for our first ever Bijou Market Salt Lake City.

In the meantime, if you missed seeing me talk about the Bij on Fox take a look. click here.

coming soon, my Bijou Market picks.

Santa

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

I thought that this would be the year that Gavin finds out the "big secret." Not that I want him to find out, we have just done a really bad job hiding gifts and lists. I have to say that I think we got Gavin back on the right track last night.

Last night Gavin gave us a riveting FHE lesson about prayer to fulfill a cub scout requirement, and after we made our way to Parker's Drive in for 25 cent ice cream cones {for you locals every Monday is 25 cent cones at the Parker's in American Fork} and then Chad remembered we needed a light bulb for our refrigerator, so we hauled everyone in. If your kids are like mine, they ask for EVERYTHING when we go to a store. Last night was no exception and they{mostly Gavin} were getting on our nerves about buying a video game, when we saw and old gentleman who looks A LOT like Santa. We pointed him out to Gavin and told him that he was Santa and he was watching him so he better stop asking for things and be good.

You would think that seeing a man that clearly looked like Santa would be enough to make any child into an instant angel, but Gavin didn't buy our story for a second, so I whispered to Chad to go and ask the gentleman if we would be Santa for our kids. So while I kept the kids occupied Chad slipped away and asked the man if he would help us out, and then told him our kids names.

After a lot of prodding we finally got the kids to go over and ask if he was Santa, but before Gavin could even say anything "Santa" said "Hello Gavin, how have you been this year?" Gav, turned as white as a ghost and stood there silent. Then ,without any help or info from us the "Santa" said, "Are you going to ask me to bring you a video game this year, I thought you would be sick of those by now?" I couldn't have scripted it better myself. The day before we told the kids we didn't want them to ask for any video games this year.

Then he sat and talked with Milo about the drums he wants. And of course as I was sitting there I realize I don't have a camera or my phone for a picture. It's okay though, I don't think Gavin or Milo will ever forget it. As we walked away Gavin said to Milo "That was the most amazing moment of my life!"

So thank you to "Santa" in Walmart. That was the best gift you could give my kids this year!

Boston II & III

2011-11-15T14:54:00.000-08:00

If you were wondering about the rest of my vacation to Boston, wonder no more! Here you go.

Day 2
Location: Plymoth, Plimoth, Plymouth and Cape Cod
Lessons Learned: I would be a horrible Pilgrim, but I think I could hack it as an Indian thanks to the menstruation houses. {another post entirely} Rachel Ray gives good advice on eateries.

Clockwise from top left:
-Thatched roof at Plimoth Plantation
-"Surfing" on a cannon
-Millie, Mom Pilgrim {who doesn't know what a camera is} and me
- The Lobster Trap, great seafood at a fraction of the price
- Plimoth Plantation- Everyone should go here. SO FUN!
- Plymouth Rock
-Us with some pilgrim women who also didn't know what a camera was
- Camille eating a boys daily catch
- My mom and I napping pilgrim style.
- Hanging from a cannon
- trying to catch a chicken
- Looking out the porthole of the Mayflower II
- My mom hunting with some pilgrims {she was a good sport even though she did not want to pose for this picture AT ALL!}
-Hanging out in the captains quarters on the Mayflower II
-Eating in the captains quarters on the Mayflower II
- Millie and I playing with our dinner at The Lobster Trap
-Trying to decide if we should buy these amazing hats
-Eating dinner with the Indians
-Inside the Pilgrim fort
- Millie being sea sick {or dead} in the Mayflower II
- Helping and the Indians fish
- Rubbing the Indians bum for good luck {does that work?}

phew- Are you still with me? Okay here is the rest.

Days 4 &5
Lexington, Concord, Salem, Cambridge, Walden Pond
Lessons learned: Salem is LAME!!!, Emerson and I have the same idea for gravestones, Massachusetts in the Fall can't be beat

Clockwise from top left:
- Monument of Mary Estes - one of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials, and an ancestor
-Philosophising with Thoreau
-Grave of Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Walden Pond
- The largest lighthouse we saw
- Sitting in Thoreau's house {he lived on Walden Pond for two years}

We honestly had such a great time, we saw lots of sights, got off the beaten path, strengthened relationships, and pretty much laughed the ENTIRE time.

p.s. if you were paying attention you will notice no Day 3, that day was deticated to shopping, an thrifting.

gift guide

2011-11-11T21:52:00.001-08:00

ATTENTION!!!!!

We are a mere 7 days away from Bijou Market. If you want a sneak peek jump over to Bijoumarket.com. You can also see my Holiday Gift Guide, as well as Emily's and Nicole's. Have a great weekend!

THANK YOU.

alerts

2011-11-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

Bijou Market is upon us, we are busy putting finishing touches on everything to make this our best Bijou Market yet. As it gets closer it is always fun to get a Google alert when people talking about the Market. This alert however was just weird... and a little funny. Click here. Ever wonder what happens to pictures of you? This is what happens, they end up on some strangers foreign blog. Totally normal.

By way of invitation here you go...

Massachusetts

2011-11-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

My sister Camille {number four} is living in Boston for a year and so my Mother and I hopped a plane to spend a week with her. Words alone can't express how wonderful it was. I didn't realize how much fun a trip with your mom and one sister can be. And until you have seen New England in the fall, forget about it.

Day one
Location: Boston, MA
Activites: Freedom Trail, Mike's Pastry, etc.
Lessons Learned: Bostonians have no patience when it comes to driving, or walking or anything really. No one says excuse me. Everyone walks EVERYWHERE! Unless you are very brave {like me} do not wear a Lakers T-shirt in Boston, you will get lots of comments and dirty looks.

Clockwise from top left"
-bulidings are so close to each other you could jump from one to the other
-One of many pictures I took of architecture that inspired me
- me, millie, and mom after our trip to the top of Bunker Hill Monunment
- posing at Fauevil Hall
- amazing grave stones, I took about fifty more just like this one
- Old North Church, you know one if by land two if by see...
- Sweets brownie cupcake
- Memorial to soldiers killed in the Iraq wars
- Lobster roll, you can't leave Boston without trying one
- Millie and Me standing in front of Paul Revere the statue
- Bunker Hill Monument {294 steps to the top}

August's guide to carving a pumpkin

2011-11-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

Step 1 have dad open the pumpkin

Step 2 Put my hand into the pumpkin

Step 3 get grossed out about the pumpkin

Step 4 Think about putting my hand back into the pumpkin, while also thinking "why do people think this is fun?"

Step 5 Show dad how gross the pumpkin is in case he doesn't already know

Step 6 Hand back into the pumpkin. Seriously I am almost two, I have got this!

Step 7 I will show this pumpkin who is boss. You will not beat me little pumpkin.

Step 8 Am I done yet? Forget it, my mom will finish this for me.

Halloween roundup

2011-11-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday. People don't understand why I love it even more than Christmas, I don't even understand it but I do love Halloween the most. So here is our re cap of my most favorite of Holidays.

I will start with Nightmare Express. This is a fun tradition for our family, that Gavin tells me each year he will only attend if the sun is still shining. He tries his best to act tough but this VERY mild train ride/spook alley always makes him want to hold our hands and not leave our side. For you locals click here for more details.

Next is the Lines Halloween Party. We always do different costumes for this party than the ones we wear on Halloween, usually something easy and cheap {meaning whatever we can find around the house.} One year Chad and I went as my Mom and Dad. This year we opted for a Meet the Robinsons theme. Meet Louis, Wilbur and the Bowler Hat Guy sans the bowler hat.

Onto pumpkin carving. we only have one rule in our home, you can't trace. You can copy a picture but you have to free hand it. That said, Gav decided he was on his own this time around and the result was pretty good, for 8. We only had to remind him every 12.7 seconds to move his fingers out of the way of his knife.

Chad went with Oogey Boogey, Milo of course did a Y, and I crafted a waving Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba for August because he was too busy running around yelling How-ween, How-ween!

My neighbour Emily and I decided to host a costume parade this year to kick off Trick or Treating. Not expecting more than five people at this shin dig I was so excited to see so many fellow lovers of the Holiday come out and support.

Happy Halloween...yesterday!

ten

2011-10-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

It amazes me how easy it is to get behind with posting. No matter, last week Chad and I took one of those monumental {at least to me} steps and celebrated ten years of being Mr. & Mrs. Ten years! Until then I hadn't stuck to something that long except maybe breathing and biting my nails.

We will be officially celebrating our anniversary in December with a trip to Hawaii, so we opted for no presents. But chad did plan a pretty great night for us. We started with dinner at Ruths Chris.

Then Chad took me to the cutest bookstore in the world, I could always spend HOURS there, and buy EVERYTHING. Honestly if you need something adorable go to Dolly's Bookstore in Park City.

After that we went to our spot on Temple Square, where we exchanged letters we had written to each other. Our spot is where Chad proposed to me ten years ago, and on that day I remembering how amazing it felt to be sitting there with Chad, almost certain that the way I felt couldn't get any better. Well Rashelle of ten years ago I have news, it is so much better.

house arrest

2011-10-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

I am the mother of a juvenile delinquent. Long story short our dear little dog Jeffery journeyed one street over where he encountered a rather large and angry dog and a man on a bicycle. He didn't really get the best of the big dog but he did come out better than the man who ran over him with the bicycle. His little excursion ended when the the animal control officer arrived to detain him. So know we have a dog with a record and has spent the last week and a half on house arrest. Good news though, today marks his end of DT and to close out his case all we needed to do was take a little trip to the vet.

He has turned over a new leaf and doesn't he look very penitent.

(picture taken at a stop light on the way to the vet)

Betsey Johnson said...

2011-10-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

“Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves, and of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys, they’d just walk around naked at all times.”
I am not condoning walking in the nude, but Betsey makes a great point and I can honestly say that I do not dress for anyone but me. Chad doesn't always like what I am wearing. He doesn't understand why I wear skirts to football games or Wedge heels and leggings to ride the Alpine slide, or when we are going out to a casual dinner I opt for a glittered jacket and heels {doesn't he realize that I did dress down by wearing jeans} Case in point I was pretty excited to get these

and when I put them on for the first time, Chad could not understand what I was so happy about. But after explaining to him why these pants make me happy {the color, the fit, the way they make my butt loo etc.} he concluded that if these amazing {my words not his} varnish effect trousers made me happy then he was happy. So even though he doesn't get it, at least he lets me be me. And that is better than getting it, i think.

gum and august

2011-09-29T20:30:00.005-07:00

August loves Gum. August knows how to be sneaky. Put these two aspects together and this is what I end up with.

We will see how is digestion systems handles this when he is seven

numbers

2011-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those days when you feel like you have done a lot but don't have anything to show for it. When I have those days, {like today} I like to give my self a little boost by recapping my day in numbers.

13 bills paid
3 times sweeping the floor
1 time mopping the floor
3 spills cleaned up
1 preschool field trip
4 moments to myself {using the bathroom}
9 number of times I died "helping" Milo play a video game
14 books I read to August
5 amount of times I had to tell Gavin to get on his homework
4 outfit changes for Milo
12 amount of times Milo asked me if he could change his clothes again.
60 minutes of trying keeping kids and basketballs off the court at Gavin's practice
1 pot of taco soup
20 minutes of uninterrupted time chad and I had to debrief about our day
6 trips into August room to put him down for naps and bed
7 times getting August off after he climbs on the dishwasher

the next time you are feeling like you didn't do enough in a day, make a list. It really helps put your role into perspective

messy

2011-09-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

Deciding to throw a four year old birthday party can make someone crazy. Deciding to throw a party dedicated to all things messy can make one completely insane. Luckily for me I am a master of controlled chaos. {Which is exactly what a messy birthday party is, just in case any of you were wondering} So 15 cans of shaving cream, 12 boxes of cornstarch, 8 bottles of paint later, and 14 boxes of Jell-o later, we were ready to party.

We let the kids paint their faces and bodies and glitter gel their hair

Then they painted with their hands and feet

Looking for prizes in goo. {cornstarch and water}

My grandmother being completely mortified and confused as to why adults would let kids go crazy

A relay game of, pop the shaving cream filled balloon on your head

Everyone went through the kid wash

{please enlarge this picture and notice the looks of sheer terror on all of their faces}

All you can eat "messy foods" like powdered donuts, pudding, jell-o, Cheetos etc.

cake is boring, banana splits are extra messy!

Happy Messy Birthday Milo!

final days of summer

2011-09-16T00:39:00.000-07:00

With the warm weather is escaping us we thought it would be a good idea to take advantage of my families monthly FHE and have an impromptu pool party.

It has taken an entire summer but Milo will finally enter the pool not wrapped around me, cling for his life.

August was on a never ending cycle of jump in pool, get cold, get out, wrap up , eat a cracker, repeat.

These kinds of days make you wish for an endless warm summer.
Goodbye summer, see ya soon.

I would rather

2011-09-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't ever liked going to the dentist, but my reasons for not loving it now aren't the same as when I was six. This is what I hate about the dentist as an adult.

Sitting in the very quiet lobby and trying to calmly explain to my children that the dentist is NOT scary and scouts honor the dentist is not going to give them a shot.

Listening to some young not married and mother of zero dental assistant tell you that your kids aren't brushing enough and you need to be more diligent. Ha Ha, well feel free to come join in the nightly battle of brush, floss and fluoride at my house.

Then sitting next to my child in the dentist chair, palms sweaty, holding my breath as the dentist looks for one of a mothers sworn enemies, cavities. I don't handle suspense very well at all so this two minute period never goes over very well.

Finally the moment of truth, NO CAVITIES! You know it is true what they say, going to the dentist really isn't as bad as it seems... for six months anyway.

ch, ch, changes

2011-08-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

I hate change, that is one of the reasons I have a phone from 2001. The other reason is I try to live by the mantra, why throw something out if it still works. My goldfish and I {inside joke if you have seen my phone} have been through it all, but I guess after the having something like 248 people thinking my phone is a play phone, and not really being able to rely on my phone working anymore, it is time for an upgrade.

So now my phone really is a play phone!

begin again

2011-08-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

This year the first day of school seemed like any other day. Gav came home and said that 2nd grade is just like 1st grade. Maybe because he opted for clothes that he wore in 1st grade and not any of his "school clothes."

After I got this one on the bus I decided to do what every other mom does on a Tuesday in August.

I did not learn a thing about dinosaurs, but I can tell you what I did learn...

- Milo likes to "read" EVERY sign, look at EVERY picture and notice EVERY display. He most definitely takes after grandma dear!

- August is more than happy to join any and every group other than the one he comes with.

- Gavin is worth his weight in gold as my helper. Now I see why mom's home school. Chasing a one year old is so tiring.

almost over

2011-08-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Maybe it was the anxiety of one last week of summer vacation, or maybe it was the urgency of fall, whatever it was the Johansson's summer checklist was in full swing last week. Here is a sampling.

Sprinklers

Kool Aid Stand

Fort building

Seven peaks

August does a good job keeping everyone fed.

August is pointing to an airplane flying by, one of his many talents

Iron Port and Scones

I even took a turn at sleeping out on the trampoline {sorry no pics} with the two oldest. Since we are all back in school here is a little math problem for you-

crickets + full moon = worst night sleep ever!!!

I would take a crying newborn before I do that again. Honestly, I would be such a terrible pioneer.

Happy end of Summer all!

baby bear blows

2011-08-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know what is more cute. The fact that he knows how to blow his nose, or that he is always walking around doing it.

Sister Day

2011-08-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

A gold star to Celeste for a wonderful sister day. The only thing that could have made it better was flying Millie out from Boston to be there with us. You think one person wouldn't make a big difference but Camille's absence was defiantly felt. Miller's you were horribly missed! Pretty sure we don't ever want to have a sister miss sister day again.

sisters

2011-08-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Sister Day! Every year we celebrate this day by spending a day together. Each sister takes a turn planning the day which is great because each year has a different persons signature to it. I started this tradition six years ago, and I really get excited for it every year. I felt like having six sisters was something that should be celebrated. People always ask me the order of all of us so here is the role call...

Rashelle
Tiffani
Elisse
Camille
Celeste
Savanna
Makenna

This year is Celeste's year so I am sure we will have a blast.

Call your sister(s) today and tell her you love her, better yet

plan an outing together

Nuts

2011-08-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law gave me a garbage bag full of walnuts from her tree. I have found that my boys love cracking the nuts. I set them up with a sidewalk and a meat mallet and for a good 45 mins {like 3 hours in little boy time} they were amused.

I am glad I have all these walnuts because I have the perfect summer pasta recipe. Which I of course will share with you.
Chicken Pasta with Zucchini, Walnuts & Raisins

1 lb spaghetti {or whatever you have}

2 Chicken breasts cut into small chunks

olive oil {enough to coat the skillet}

1/2 cup walnuts chopped

4 cloves garlic{at least} minced

1 1/2 lbs zucchini halved and sliced into half circles

3/4 cup raisins

S&P

grated parmesan cheese

cook pasta, drain and return to pot

meanwhile in skillet cook chick in oilve oil, once chicken is cooked through add walnuts and cook for another 4 mins. Once walnuts have slightly browned add galric and cook for 1 min.

Add zucchini and raisins and cook until zucchini is tender but not limp. season with salt and pepper.

add skillet mixture to pasta and mix together

sprinkle with parmesan, serve

Thats it! I hope you enjoy it, I would love to hear how you liked it

never too late to start

2011-08-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, I know I did. Chad and I were due for some much needed "no kid time" I was also due for a much needed pedicure so Chad and I went for pedi's.

I was a little worried that Chad wouldn't like his pedicure because it is hard to find a place open on Friday night. After driving all over Utah county and we ended up in a very sub par nail salon.

I am happy to report though that he did like it and said that he would even like to try a better place next time.

Everyone has their regular spot for pedi's, and I am looking for a new spot, the last time I got one at my usual place it wasn't that great. So my question is where do you go? Leave a comment and let me know

hide and seek

2011-08-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

What is it about curtains that are so appealing?

smile for the camera

2011-08-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

So now that the camera situation is fixed {thank you chad, for my birthday present} I will keep regular posting hours.

The extreme guilt I had of not having any pictures of August {ask any third child how many pictures their parents took of them, compared to the oldest} lead me to take oodles of him the second I turned the camera on. He wasn't to keen to my plan, every picture I have of him looks like this

and this

birthday

2011-06-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

If I had any doubts as to the old adage of boys not maturing past 12, I don't have any them anymore. Today is Chad's birthday, and I have been asking for a while now what he wanted for a gift.

This is the only item that he told me he wanted

So today for his 31st birthday we set up his present and have all been playing and jumping on it all evening. Best day ever and not even my birthday!

What have I learned? Little boys don't grow up they only get bigger, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

winner winner

2011-06-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

Short Story: Chad won a skirt in a giveaway. Don't believe me? One night we were having our nightly veg session on the couch and Chad was checking this blog. I noticed the giveaway and mentioned that I would like to win it. Then, after explaining the ins and outs of giveaways Chad entered the giveaway. And he won!

{sorry for the awful pics, I still am minus 1 camera. We are in the market though finally!}

I sure am glad Chad is up for sharing digs! Seriously though, thanks Chad you made my day!

milestones

2011-05-26T11:51:00.001-07:00

{red dress thrifted ,augusts shoes old navy]

Growing up L.D.S. means that your 8th birthday is by far the most exciting because you get Baptised! I can't even go into my feelings of having my oldest child now accountable for his choices, but I do have to say that Gav has been doing a pretty good job! He is a great example for is younger brothers and a super help to me, I am always saying "everyone needs an 8 year old"

the Flea

2011-05-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

As Promised...

If you are reading this you are personally invited to the FLEA!

This is for everyone! What makes the Flea so successful is people of all shapes, sizes and styles coming. Please don't think that your wardrobe is not cute enough or your sizes are too big, because trust me they aren't. I have found great stuff when I was pregnant and weighed 200lbs, when I was 180lbs and when I have weighed 140lbs. Because something that you are tired of wearing or looking at in your house, might just make someones day! If you have any questions let me know! See ya there!

contest

2011-05-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Bijou Market's mantra is finding and showcasing the best local talent. Well we have found yet another avenue to do this. We are looking for a new logo and if you think you can come up with something that represents us and of course is amazing send it in. The details are of course at Bijoumarket.com.

Spread the word, the search is on!

part 2

2011-04-26T12:38:00.001-07:00

We three were super excited to have Yan be a part of Bijou Market.

If you bijoued too, check out her blog to see yourself. click here

turning 8

2011-04-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

We have had pirate parties, swimming parties, wiggles parties, dart gun parties, skating parties, and oh so many other parties, this year Gavin wanted to have a Dodgeball party. Let me tell you coming from one that has overseen many a party that this is the EASIEST party to have EVER!!

Step 1- Reserve your local church or recreation center

Step 2- Purchase or borrow 5-10 dodgeballs

Step 3- Purchase every kid a water bottle to use at the party {also doubles as a take home gift}

Step 4- Fill a water cooler with Gatorade to keep the little kiddos hydrated

That's it. The kids loved it and even Chad and I got in the action. We did donuts and root beer ice cream bars {Gav's favorite} after the dodgeball was over. Super easy, super fun and most definitely on the cheap side.

Oh now I get it!

2011-04-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

It all started a month ago at Emily's house, we were doing a Bijou something or other and the boys started playing "tag". Gus would chase Hayes and then Hayes would chase Gus, of course it didn't matter if they were chasing or being chased they were laughing the entire time. It was like they noticed each other for the first time ever, and they haven't looked back since. So when Hayes got his new bike we simply had to figure a way to make it a bicycle built for two.

look at that hack job

2011-04-20T21:38:00.001-07:00

I appreciate the reassuring words from all of you that Gus's hair can't be that bad, let me assure you -IT IS THAT BAD. Don't believe me well here you go.

The good news is that one week later it is not so noticeable. The bad news is that I am realizing I am a tad on the shallow side when it comes to my kids hair. Maybe I have been watching too much Tangled.

#'s

2011-04-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

I know you are waiting for my Bijou Market review. Rest assured it or they rather are on their way. In the meantime

My weekend in numbers

2-inches I accidentally cut from August's "bangs"

6.5- hours of church and meetings I attended on Sunday

17- times August went down the big slide by himself

17- times I anxiously held my breath while August went down the big slide by himself

2- number of goals Chad scored in his soccer game

11-donuts consumed in one day

42- times I had to calm myself after starting to think about Gavin turning 8

3- number of times Chad got bit in the leg by a random dog at the park

62- Bijou Market checks ready for the mail

1- really great weekend.

Happy Monday! {such an oxymoron}

Part 1

2011-04-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

Bijou Market was too grand to just talk about in one sitting so you will be getting it all in sections.

Thank you, Thank you to everyone who made Bijou terrific! And I do have to say it was terrific! We had so many fresh new crafters and our veterans brought there "A" games.

Made by Jewels is a veteran vendor that started selling fabric covered earrings and has expanded to so many wonderful things namely these darling earrings that she graciously gifted me.

{thanks for letting me snag this pic em, my earrings are black with gold}

At our last Bijou Market, 5th & Hazel sold out of her darling cards on the first day. This time around she didn't just stop at cards she expanded to the best little prints. Thanks Melanie!

One of my favorite new vendors was most defineltly Lady Hue. Her pieces are amazing, they have so much depth. I would love to own an original but for now I will be happy with a print.

winner

2011-04-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Drum roll...

Congrats Dari! Isn't winning the best.

lost and found

2011-04-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Chad got a new laptop and when he brought his old one into retirement at our house I found a treasure of photos, forgot about or never seen. Some of my favs...

Clockwise from the top left:

~Milo helping with the groceries

~ first photo of my three boys

~ the most awesome man I have ever seen walking around Disneyworld

~ Emily and I looking at a location for Bijou Market oh so long ago

~ baby August only seconds on the earth

~ picking apples at Grandpa West's orchard

Nothing like random photos to make my day.

See you tomorrow at Bijou Market!

catching up

2011-04-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Life gets going so fast for me and pretty soon I look around and realize that I have not seen some of my most favorite people for far too long. The best way to remedy said situation is with heaping dose of High School besties.

These darlings have invited me to most everything for the past three years and this is the first thing I have been to in far too long. Truly I won't let life get in the way again of checking in these gals.

for freeeeee

2011-03-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

One week from today I should see you at Bijou Market. But if you are one of the few that has yet to embark on the utterly blissful experience that is Bijou Market, here is a little incentive...

A GIVEAWAY!!!!

These three items have been handpicked by yours truly, just for you. A mini Ninja by Radseams~Set of 3 lunch trays by Blue Door~Bar of Soap from Beehive Soap

How to win:

- leave a comment

- Follow or subscribe to Bijou Market & leave a comment letting me know you have

- RSVP on facebook {click here} and leave an additional comment letting me know that you RSVP

- Follow or subscribe to the blog and leave a comment letting me know you have

- Do all of them to up your chances

Good Luck all!

Giveaway closes Midnight April 4th

Remember Bijou Market is April 8th & 9th. It won't disappoint... I promise

another use for laundry baskets

2011-03-25T12:32:00.001-07:00

Like every mom, I am constantly worried that my kiddos are not getting enough fruit and veggies. Gavin is pretty good, he hates french fries {seriously} but the other two fall into the " a fry is a vegetable right?" column. Here is my solution. Bountiful Baskets.

A produce co-op; you pay a $15 "contribution" on Monday and pick up your produce Saturday morning. You get plenty and each week it is different so my kids get to try things that I wouldn't normally buy.

Last week we received- green beans, asparagus, cauliflower, tomatoes, garlic, lettuce, apples, strawberries, blackberries, pineapple, and cantaloupe.

Just a note we to the co-op every other week, our family of 5 can't get through all the fruit and veggies in a week. But I did talk to a mother of 7 and she buys two baskets a week. Hopefully that will help you gauge how much you need. If you have any questions leave a comment.

it's electric

2011-03-25T12:31:00.001-07:00

Looking out my window as I write this I see about an inch of SNOW on the ground. Normally I would be cursing the snow, but my kids have colds so we are home bound today anyways. And this cold weather gives me an excuse to use my very favorite thing...

{sunbeam imperial nights dual heated electric blanket}

I have been wrapped up with it all day today. Until it is 80 degrees after the sun goes down I will be sleeping with this baby every night too. It was a Christmas gift from chad {it might have been diamonds for how excited I got}because I am ALWAYS cold and nothing keeps me toasty like my new best friend.

self taught and no lessons thank you very much

2011-03-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

When Chad and I were in Florida some months ago we ate at this little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, that was Uh-mazing! This was Chad's attempt to document our outing.

And here is my one and only attempt. Obviously I have mastered self photography.

church

2011-03-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Church is always an experience. Some of my favorite moments from today-

~~While singing Love at Home noticing Milo leading the music with one hand and following along to The First Noel with the other hand.~~

~~After 40 mins of containment watching August go to each aisle, wave and say "ha" {his version of hi}~~

~~Apologizing 12 times to the people behind us for the constant stream of church bag paraphernalia August launched at them. ~~

~~Watching everyone in the ward take turns with their chance to hold August {honestly he may never have to go to Nursery with all the people that ask me if they can take him}~~

~~Realizing that for the first time since I was put in Primary, everything went smoothly today~~

~~Reminding Chad that showing the boys the sliding thumb trick is not reverent~~

~~Realizing that sooner than I think everything mentioned above will only be a distant memory and I will be the one sitting with my husband behind a young family and wish I could do it all over again. ~~

Happy Sunday Everyone!

hiding place

2011-03-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

This is August's new favorite storage compartment. He keeps all his favorite things in here.

- cars

- balls

-my cell phone

- blocks

- food

- money

- shoes

-books

-toy bowling pins

Tomorrow we will be taking apart one of the toliets to retrieve a stuck ball

gee

2011-03-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

Some people call it dramatic, some call it intense but I call it passionate; and to say this kid is passionate is an understatement.

{the only way I could get him to wear that sweater was to take a picture of him}

We are sitting at In & Out one night eating and Gavin is sitting across from me DEVOURING his burger, complete with eye rolls, noises and rocking back and forth. The dialog was as follows...

Gavin: {in a loud overly excited voice}This is the best Hamburger I have ever had in my entire life!

Me and Chad: Good, now just eat

Gavin: This is so good I just want to stand on my chair and tell everyone how good this is!

Me and Chad: No Gav, you don't need to to that, sit down.

Gavin: This is so good I want to pay someone!

Me and Chad: We already did pay someone when we bought it

Gavin: No, this is so good I want to give someone a tip, someone who works here should get a tip for making this hamburger!

Me and Chad: {no dialog, just silence and an exchange of awkward and confused glances}

It is nice to have someone in the family who enjoys life as much as I do!

belated valentines

2011-02-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

I had every intention of hopping on and posting for St. Valentines Day. Why was I thinking I would have time for that? So here is my thoughts a week (or two) late.

Chad is my biggest fan, he thinks I am better than I really am, funnier, prettier, smarter, and more saintly than I really am as well. He knows my strengths better than I do, and he overlooks my weaknesses more than I do to. He helps me bring out my inner six year old at least once a day. And always know just the right thing to do or say to me at any given time. Don't get me wrong sometimes we have our little arguments too, but Chad is really good at apologies & working out problems.

I have had a very stressful two weeks and Chad has only consoled, comforted, and built me up. Not once did he tell me to relax or to stop stressing, he simply let me be in the moment with my thoughts and feelings and stayed by my side. I know that everyone thinks they got lucky when they married there partner, but I don't think I just got lucky. I think my Heavenly Father knew what kind of person would help me be the best me and sent me on the path to find Chad. I couldn't be the best me without him. The thing that I love best about Chad is that he lets me be what I want. Regardless.

plans

2011-02-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

My BYU pride runs as deep as the south. Lately I have been feeling like something is missing, after taking a quick life assessment I realized that I have not been to a BYU basketball game since last year. So today Chad and I are off to the Marriott Center. Look for me I will be standing next to the guy that is holding a sign saying, "I got Jimmered!" I hope everyone has a great weekend.

a little p.s.

Bijou Market is opening up in Arizona, we are looking for the best handmade crafters out there to sell to our oh so loyal customers in the AZ. If you know of anyone, send them our way!

i {heart} Slab

2011-01-29T12:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you all in about a little joint called Slab. Home to the BEST pizza and I do consider myself to be somewhat of a pizza connoisseur. This is the thing if you love thin crust, out of the ordinary toppings and huge slices this place is for you. Try the Buffalo Wing pizza it is a favorite of mine. Head on over you won't be disappointed 669 East 800 North in Provo.

my mouth is watering just from writing this post, maybe I will see you there.

peanuts, popcorn, candy apples

2011-01-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while Chad and I decide to go above and beyond our everyday realm of parenthood. I have always been fascinated by the Circus, so when we got word it was in town, Chad and I took the troop the the Circus.

I would like to say that I got lots of pictures but truthfully Chad and I were so enthralled with the Circus this is all we got.

The Circus was two hours of a borderline heart attack, I felt like I was sitting ready to witness an accident every time a new act came out. It was 9 on the fun scale. If you want to feel like a kid again make a night of the Circus.

one

2011-01-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

Gus is one, some thoughts

-tear, tear, sigh, tear

- my body is not reflective of having a baby a year ago

- does that mean it is time to think about #4

- great 365 days left until the terrible 2's

-the fact that he knows how to fake laugh cracks me up

-turning one has entitled him to be the official boss of all creation

- everyone stop telling me he doesn't look like a baby anymore

-he doesn't walk he runs

- I remind myself to enjoy his cute tantrums now soon they won't be so cute

a spiritual ah-ha moment

2011-01-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Long story short...
I have been reading a rather intellectual book, and been torn because a lot of the content is questionable to my personal values. I have gone back and forth for two months now, I read 50 pages then stop, then read some more and stop. I feel torn between expanding my knowledge and keeping my values in place. Anyone else been there?

Fast forward to last night...
I attended Relief Society where the guest speaker was Julie Beck {General Relief Society President} and during a Q&A part of the night I received an answer. While responding to a question to what she was reading right now, she told us that the most important thing was to always maintain the ability to receive inspiration, and if we are reading or watching something that makes us loose that ability then we need to make a change.

What did I learn...
I know that as a S.A.H.M it is easy to think that I am not as smart or learned as others, so where I thought I was doing myself a service to read something on a higher level, I was really clouding my ability to receive the higher level education I really needed. I still have not finished the book, but I decided that there was absolutely nothing in that book that would be better for my life than being able to feel the Spirit.

sick

2011-01-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

Having sick kids is the pits. What is worse than sick kids you ask? Having each one of my kids take a turn being sick for an entire week, and not just any week mind you, the one week out of the year that I have a burst of New Year resolution energy. I feel like the "go get em" attitude I had Sunday night has been replaced with a sense of exhaustion from drawn baths, trips to the kitchen for drinks and snacks, and symptom checks via the Internet just to name a few. Yesterday I got excited to bring in the Garbage cans from off the street just for the 5 min break outside it gave me! I am thankful for somethings though e.g. Snuggling with little ones who usually won't let me, reading lots of books, making what I want for dinner because my kids have to stick to the BRAT diet and most of all realizing how truly tender and precious my kids are. Leave it to a week of throw up, diarrhea and fevers to make me the most thankful for my little ones...and for children's Motrin!

FYI

2010-12-31T15:59:00.000-08:00

William Rast has done a line exclusively for Target. To see it all click here, hurry it is only for a short time.

Also on the horizon Mulberry is doing a line as well. I will keep you posted.

resolutions

2010-12-31T15:46:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. One person in our house has definitely taken the resolution bull by the horns. Milo now uses la toilette. I now owe him...

-a candy bar

- lunch with Cosmo

- trip to Chuck E. Cheese

- any toy he wants

- a million dollars

- admission to Cosmo Kids Club

- all the gum he wants

So this year, my New Years resolution is stop offering crazy rewards, because sooner or later my kids will achieve the impossible and I will be left to pay up. Lesson learned.

Have a wonderful New Year!

in other news

2010-12-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

August was downstairs, I was in my office paying bills {yuck!} and out of nowhere I hear gus upstairs. I ask Milo "Where is August?" and he looks at me like I am an idiot and says,"upstairs." Then I say, "How did he get up there?" and Milo gives me another, your an idiot look, and says "Mom, he walks."

I guess it is offical. He walks.

portable north pole tv

2010-12-20T10:04:00.001-08:00

If anyone wants to do a stellar surprise for their kids. Go to This Link and you can have a personalized e-mail message sent to your kids from Santa. It is free, easy and my kids have watched theirs a dozen times. They absolutely love it.

milo

2010-12-16T13:13:00.001-08:00

I guess when you are tired it does not matter where you are and how big the donut you were eating is.

gus

2010-12-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

I love it when the hair right behind Gus's ears flips out.

I don't love it when he won't hold still so we can get a good picture of it.

milo

2010-12-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

Milo and his randomness just keeps going and going. A few examples...

Milo wants an iTouch for Christmas. Since when did 3 year old a) know anything about electronics and b) know enough that they want one for Christmas.

We went on a train ride two nights ago to see Santa and when the engineer asked Milo who we were going to see he said "Jesus" and was a little upset when I told him we would not be seeing baby Jesus just Santa. Go figure, at least his heart is in the right place.

August was playing by Milo on the floor yesterday and I guess was bugging him because Milo turned to him and said, Gus, you are irritating me.

When Milo get's home from anything, no matter what time of day, the first thing he does is get back into his pajama's. Most days the only way I can get him dressed is to tell him when we get home he can put his PJ's back on.

holiday faves

2010-12-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know why the song "A Few of My Favorite Things" is classified as a Holiday song? I don't get it but I have heard it on the radio several times. Please someone explain! Whether it is Holiday or not I am going to give you a few of my favorite things right now.

~American Apparel Black Tricot leggings~

{obviously not a big fan of having my picture taken}

{August's duck boots from baby Gap}

These leggings are simply the best. They can dress anything up, and are slimming due to the faint shimmer they give right down your leg. These would be a great gift for the person that has everything, and the best part is they come in about 13 colors!

~ribbed socks~

{photo form j.crew}
Okay I know that this isn't for everyone, but I just love these with heels.

~Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson~

Give yourself a little early Christmas present and download this song. Trust me the best 99 cents you will spend this Christmas. If you don't love it I will pay for the download. And if you are feeling even more adventurous download the entire album; The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs.

ho ho ho

2010-12-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

Try as I might to keep the Christmas spirit some days it just seems like the spirit part gets sucked right out of me. That is okay because as of last night my Christmas cards were in the poseddion of the U.S. postal service {finally!} So be checking your boxes; because other than the presents the one thing that you anticipate most of all is the yearly Johansson Christmas card.

one more thing to check of my list.

journalism at it's finest

2010-12-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

BYU weekly did a story on our little Bijou Market. If you didn't get a chance to see it on the telly, take a look. It made me happy we do what we do and also made me realize my voice is kinda on the man side. Oh well, enjoy!

gus

2010-12-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

I want to apologize to anyone that has come to my house and used my bathroom, because the toilet paper looks like this...

Thanks to this....

In my defense after 137 times of carefully winding the TP back on the roll so it looks normal you get sick of it.

p.s.
He is also great at empting any and all drawers in your home.

Cheap-O Christmas tree

2010-12-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

My friend Annie and I went into the local dollar store a month ago, looking for decorations for an activity day party, and I told her "Someone could decorate a pretty descent Christmas tree with decorations from here" and she said "You should do it" So, I accepted the challenge and here is my end result.

I need to clarify...
These are not from the dollar store.
They were stocking hangers from walmart but they cost $1 each so it counts. Also the glitter ribbon is not from the dollar store either but it only cost me $3 to wrap the entire tree.

little things

2010-12-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

I love it when I go to the TV to see what recorded the night before only to find that Chad recorded one of my favorite comedians {Zach Galifianakis} on one of my favorite late night shows {Jimmy Fallon} He didn't have to, but he loves me.

It made my day part because of the gesture and part because it was so funny! Please tell me someone else saw it and laughed as hard as I did?

halloween in December

2010-11-29T16:47:00.001-08:00

Only because you asked...

Batman and Robin

Merlin and Archimedes the Owl

And can you guess?

...of course the Grinch

Sorry for the camera phone photos, my camera is still broken.

these two and me

2010-11-29T16:38:00.000-08:00

Bijou is over {always a dose of bittersweet}

I just want to let these two darlings know how much I love doing what we do. We three are a great mix of everything you need in a partnership. I wouldn't want to do Bijou with anyone else. Thanks guys!

p.s. that is the last time we put the

tall person in the middle for a picture.

Plan on this

2010-11-29T16:15:00.000-08:00

I am letting you all know that the the live Nativity in Alpine is going on this weekend the 3rd,4th and 6th from 6-9pm. Go, enjoy, your welcome.

If you are going on Monday I will see you there.

900 North Main St. Alpine, UT {no nativity is complete without camels.}

get em' whilt their hot

2010-11-15T11:33:00.001-08:00

Okay the wait is almost over! Bijou Market starts Friday.

If you want to get a preview hop on over toBijoumarket.com

Not to toot my own horn, but we are selling these

most adorable totes for a mere $2 {no that is not a typo}

Make sure and get yours get there early!

toot,toot!

confessions of a S.A.H.M.

2010-11-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

Humor me for a moment...

I have come to love to vacuum. For the only reason that my extremely loud vacuum drowns out EVERYTHING! So the kids can be crazy and screaming and all I have to do to escape the insanity is vacuum my house.

Next- the shopping carts at IKEA give me a great love handle workout, thanks to the wheels that turn in all directions. Trying to wrangle to cart at every turn used to drive me crazy, but now I just go with it and get a solid workout while I shop.

Lastly- I am trying my hand at Homemade Laundry soap. I want to know who has tried it, what works, what didn't, what they liked and what they didn't.

p.s I promise halloween pics are coming!

what's in a trip?

2010-11-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

I could post 17 times about our trip, but I won't. Enter collage...

Chad and I had not taken a trip together since our honeymoon, this trip was much needed and so super fun. Disneyworld is so different without kids {better, oddly enough} and it was a blast to see ye olde mission.

These pictures brought to by Kilmars Ice

cream shoppe, thanks for mailing us our camera!

Back in the Saddle

2010-10-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

I took a long Hiatus from the old blog, for no reason other than I was busy. A quick recap by numbers

27 -days without a post

1- new calling {activity days}

3-people that thought Chad was having an affair with a blonde chick, {until I turned around}

48- Number of wipes I pick off the floor each day due to Milo's addiction with them

4- times August surprised me with crawling and standing and walking along with couch all the the same week

3- reflections projects Gavin wants to enter

17- amount of times Milo has changed his mind about Halloween costumes

7- hours it took me to put up Halloween decorations

2- sick kids

300- times I wipes said kids noses

15- planning sessions with chad to decide what to do in Florida next week.

1349- number of times I have been ridiculously excited about the Holiday Bijou Market

1,000,000 - other things I did and can't remember

cosmo came to my buday

2010-10-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

This post is SO late but what are you gonna do. If you have a son like mine, BYU is all they think about. Milo takes it a step further and idolizes Cosmo. So me being the fantastic mom I am, up and invited {paid rather} Cosmo to Milo's 3rd Birthday!

I found out after the fact that we got the best Cosmo {they have like 6} and he was so good with Milo I don't think Milo left his side the whole time.

This cake was a Nightmare, but it was a Y and it was Huge Milo loved it.

Thanks everyone for coming and celebrating with Milo!

changes

2010-10-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

No, I am not dead. Life just is amazingly busy. I have so many posts to share but one at a time. A little warning if you haven't already seen me, these pics are a bit much. But I always welcome your opinion so go ahead and tell me what you think.
I took this

and this...

And turned it into this

and this

I have to say that cutting my hair off has been so liberating and fun. I think everyone should try this at least once in their life.

school

2010-09-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Now that the shock has worn off I am glad to say that Gav is in First Grade

And he is pretty excited about it.

coif

2010-09-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have had lots of different hair lengths in my lifetime. I always have this idea that if I don't change it so often that I will get into a rut, so every once in a while I do something different.

For several years now {maybe more} I have wanted a pixie cut. I have torn countless photos out of magazines and saved tons of photos from the web of versions I like.
Why have I not done it yet you ask? {Aside that it is a pretty big move} Two reasons really.

Reason number one being I do like my hair now. I love that it is wavy and effortless, people are always asking me how I get my hair to look the way it does and honestly I really only let it air dry. I read an article about a girl who liked her hair but gave in to peer pressure and cut it for a more trendy style and it took her years to get it back to something she liked again. I know that won't happen but if it isn't broke don't fix it right?

Reason number 2: Two years ago I dyed my hair dark. In the salon I liked it and when I got home to a husband that didn't my opinion changed and I hated it. Any woman that says they don't need there husbands approval is lying. EVERY woman wants to feel beautiful to her husband. Chad likes my hair long, obviously I don't think cutting my hair will change anything between Chad and I but it is something to think about.

So now I wonder what you think? Tell me what you would do & be honest I love hearing different opinions, and just so you know either way I have an appointment set for Saturday. yikes!

steal of a deal part deux

2010-08-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

We wanted to celebrate the last day of summer vacation at Seven Peaks. I don't have a single picture of Gavin because now that he is old and tall enough to go on rides by himself, he does and I didn't see him more than a few minutes the whole time we were there.

Milo, August, Chad and I had a grand time lounging in the wave pool {that for the record I remember being way more cool when I was little}

If is offical Gus hates hats, or at least big ugly ones that keep the sun off his face

steal of a deal

2010-08-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Trafalga is doing a great promotion right now with Seven peaks $34.95 gets you a year pass to both. We of course took advantage.

Crazy idea lets put August on the bumper boats he loved it until he got soaked.

we all did.

Inaugural

2010-08-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am documenting the first ever family reunion for Chads family. It was low key {mutual dell and swimming at Lindon pool} but we had a blast. I meant to take lots of pics but this is all I ended up getting...enjoy!

bluebird

2010-08-11T13:45:00.001-07:00

Doesn't everyone wish they still had ice cream and soda fountains around, well they do in Logan.

The Bluebird.

Old fashioned down to the iron port and the banana split dishes.

family

2010-08-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

We spent the 9th annual Lines Family Reunion up Logan Canyon. Was it fun you ask? I think you already know the answer. YES!

With fishing, the zoo, catching up on sleep, eating what we caught, using a bucket for a shower, we always have a blast with this bunch!

clean...er

2010-08-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Maybe it is the anxiety of back to school but I have been nesting like a pregnant woman. Here are a few

Item #1
The boys closet. Cramming two boys into one closet is sometimes a challenge, especially at the rate that I buy shoes for them. I have to make room for school clothes of course, so it was time to organize.

Item #2
This is a bit of a confession as well, I am CONSTANTLY ripping pages out of magazines. Diy projects, websites I want to remember, gift ideas, rooms I like, etc. This habit started with some interior design classes I took long ago and after watching some documentary about a lady who died in her house full of torn out pages I simply had to make a change. This is some of what I threw away.

battle wound

2010-08-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

Gus had a little battle with the driveway last week...
The drive way won.

We called him Rudy all week long.

findings

2010-08-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Back when Domino was still being delivered to me each month {tear, tear} I fell in love with an amazing vintage lucite mirrored tray.

I simply had to have it, but really who has 150.00 lying around for a clear tray? Not me, so I have been on the search for one that is just as wonderful but more in my price range. I looked at this one

{$55}

and this one

{$100-$650}

and this one

{$34.95}

and then I got lucky, my good old standby IKEA came through with this one. And even better I found it in the AS IS section for 1.99!!

Come to my house I will serve you drinks on my wonderful lucite serving tray.

the candy man can

2010-07-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Need something fun to do, go tour the Sweets Candy Factory. Even if you aren't into the candy, they give you these awesome hair nets.

Even August got one.

Thanks tiff you always

come up with the best ideas.

where did you go

2010-07-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

I am realizing that summer holiday is coming to a close, and just like every year I haven't checked off much of my "summer to do list."

{door mat from target}

I think I need to get on that, because pretty soon all my time is going to be spent with school clothes shopping, PTA meetings and such.

opposites attract

2010-07-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Ebony & Ivory

Living together in harmony

pretty in pink...& teal

2010-07-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Recipe for the best 30th birthday party

start with 1 awesome 80's prom theme

then mix with

2 terrific costumes

40 of the best hits from the 80's

3 hours of dancing

stir in 1 homage to "rad"

add a pinch of Boy George

and you end up with

THIS

& this

and this

Annie's birthday was simply the best. We had such a blast, what a better way to celebrate turning 30!

Prom 1980

dinner tonight

2010-07-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

I don't mind cooking at all but what I detest is deciding what to cook, finding something that everyone in my family likes can be difficult, but this dinner is ALWAYS a favorite with EVERYONE

It is super easy and fast, I promise you and your kids will love it.

{I added peas}

Carbonara
Ingredients:

•Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
•1 pound pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni
•1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat bottom of pan)
•1/4 pound pancetta (Italian bacon), chopped
•1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•5 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
•1/2 cup dry white wine
•2 large egg yolks
•Freshly grated Romano cheese
•Handful of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Put a large saucepot of water on to boil. Add a liberal amount of salt and the pasta. Cook to al dente, about 8 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta. Brown pancetta 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Add wine and stir up all the pan drippings.

3. In a separate bowl, beat yolks, then add 1 large ladleful (about 1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water. This tempers the eggs and keeps them from scrambling when added to the pasta.

4. Drain pasta well and add it directly to the skillet with pancetta and oil. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta. Toss rapidly to coat the pasta without cooking the egg. Remove pan from heat and add a big handful of cheese, lots of pepper, and a little salt. Continue to toss and turn the pasta until it soaks up egg mixture and thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and extra grated Romano

curing summer boredom

2010-07-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

If your kids are like me they come inside in the afternoon and say that they don't have anything to do. The remedy for boredom you ask,

Water fights

Water baseball

of course!!

Classic isn't it?

Milo at third base

The best cheering section ever!!

Of course Chad has to get in on the action, it ended up the entire neighborhood against him and he still won.

isn't it better to dunk your head in cold water instead of just touching a base?

4th

2010-07-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

I love celebrating the 4th, especially when it falls on a Sunday so the whole weekend is devoted to the Holiday. A few of my favorite memories if you don't mind...

Handmade t-shirts

running the 10k

driving around to see fireworks

laughing

grandma's shower

Parade

Pictures with Cosmo

Napping

BBQ

making up songs

homemade ice cream

Blessing a baby

Volleyball in the dark

fireworks

seeing the coolest sprinkler

more homemade ice cream

being with the people I love

I hope everyone had as wonderful a holiday as I did.

twlighting much

2010-07-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am not a big twilight fan, I was perfectly fine to see the next installment when it came to our local $1 theater, but when one of Chad's clients gave him passes to a special early VIP showing I said "what the hay" and we went along with 8 of our good friends.

I know the pictures aren't terrific, but I had to hurry they said if they saw any camera's they would confiscate them.

date night

2010-07-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again!

Date night for just the three of us

me + chad + scoot
{what is up with my lips}

#2

2010-07-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

My second child came with as many quirks as the day is long, here are a few new ones.

Milo loves August and when Gus is sleeping I have to watch Milo very carefully or this happens

I love how August looks a little confused with the situation.

Also did I mention that Milo loves Star Wars. Maybe a little to much?

Lastly, for the past four days this is all Milo has worn. I can't get it off the kid.

picnic

2010-07-03T09:02:00.001-07:00

My mom always had a way of making ordinary things special, it has always been one of my favorite things about her. I made sure I cataloged it in my brain under " how to be a good mom." I took this one from you darling...

Picnic on the Deck

I don't have patio furniture, but neither did we ever have it growing up, we simply took the kitchen table outside. I opted for a light card table.

Nothing makes dinner more special than table cloth and napkins {no we don't use a table cloth every night}

Chad's burgers and some Limonata make it summer: full force.

It took no extra time and was lots of fun, try it with your family.

~napkins from Ikea

the list

2010-07-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we had VIP passes to see Twilight in a special showing{sorry pictures didn't turn out.} On the way home we were talking with a friend {who loves Edward} about who is on our "list" So here is mine:

Nikki Sixx, yes I know he is old enough to be my father, and I know that for the better part of his life he was addicted to Meth, but he is my number one.

Next is Ryan Reynolds, I think because his humor reminds me of Chad, oh and because he is um gorgeous.

I also have this thing for Jack White. The reason being that he is uber talented and that is super attractive.

Okay there you have it, random I know. Who is on your list?