The quilt and the need to complete something

As a stay at home mom my job is never done. Dishes, laundry, cleaning anything will all have to be done again tomorrow. Usually this is just an acceptable part of my job but occasionally I will find a great need to actually complete something that will stay done.

I decided to pull out those old jeans I've been saving to do a denim quilt. I looked up the instructions online and TAAA DAAAA! A completed project! It took me a good week longer than I had anticipated since I only worked on it during my small helper's nap time. Also Dee jumped in and helped tie and stitch during the last stages. (You'll notice the pliers in his picture.) What an awesome guy!

So, there you have it. A completed project that I am happy about. Guess I'll go fold the laundry.

TAA DAA!

Candy obsession - and recipe to boot

There are a couple candy obsessions in our family. Cadbury mini-eggs are at the top of the list. Also chocolate in various forms. Mike and Ikes and jelly-bellies (especially pear mmmmmm). My sister in law's favorite that I've been introduced to (just add it to the list!) are chocolate covered cinnamon bears. Imagine my delight and I'll admit, a little drool, when I discovered this recipe on a website. The pictures alone are worthy of licking the computer screen.

We just might try making these for Valentine's Day. I'll let you know how they turn out. Wish you were here to taste test, Amber!

http://theidearoom.blogspot.com/2010/01/chocolate-covered-cinnamon-bears.html

New Glasses

McKenna got new glasses (mostly for reading, but she loves wearing them... so far.) The color is turtle-mint. How cute is she?!

52 Dates Tribute

We've been challenged many times before to have weekly dates as spouses for as long as I can remember. Last year we made a resolution to have a monthly date and that seemed pretty do-able. However, about half way through the year it fizzled to an every now and again commitment.

Well, this being something important to both of us (not only because we are SUPPOSED to do it but because we actually ENJOY being together as a couple) we thought we'd try again this year.

One day I stumbled across an awesome idea on a blog. http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2009/12/project-52-date-nights/

52 dates project. It sounded simple, do-able, and fun. It has a print out pledge you and your spouse can sign with rules that apply. (Again, simple. No kids, no frumpy clothes, etc.) One thing I love about it is it gave us a place to start. It is also things you can do at home - appetizer night, game night. There is plenty of flexibility for those of us that are last minute planners, like I said it just gave us a place to start.

We're going to take the challenge and I'll try to remember to post fun things we've come up with once a month or so. So, like she asks on her blog... are you in?

How to eat a "bapple"

You can hold it with two hands ...

or no hands ...

or use the table ...

Make sure it knows who is boss!

And always love your food!

Fun Week

Dee had gotten both McKenna and I tickets to "Wicked" the Broadway. Now if you haven't seen Wicked but have the opportunity, GO SEE WICKED! It is an amazing story with amazing acting and everything that goes with a great show. We went with my best friend and her daughter, none of which had ever seen a Broadway. Fantastic time! We took the BART (top picture) and the girls loved the adventure.

The day after we got back Dee and I went to see Brian Regan the comedian and laughed for 2 1/2 hours straight. My abs and cheeks hurt the next morning it was so fantastic.

Tyler's teacher the next day asked him if he had watched the game with his dad. Ty said, "No they went to Brian Regan." His teacher didn't know who he was and asked if he was a friend. Ty laughed and said, "No - you know, Brian Regan the Canadian?" He was laughing so hard while telling me and kept saying, "She was so confused! I guess she doesn't know who he is." Did I mention my cheeks hurt?!

Christmas loot

Christmas Eve jammies... These still make me laugh when they wear them. I wish they had them in the big kid sizes too but I'm kind of glad they aren't in my size. I would have probably bought them in a moment of weakness. Cute on kids, frightening on mom's.

All Ellie kept asking for was "Princess crafts" which for a while I thought was "Princess Crap". Glad we got that one worked out before Santa came...

Ty got a red rider BB Gun from Santa. Still has both eyes I'm glad to report.

McKenna got an MP3 player and a ticket to Wicked next week. Yes!

Carter was funny this year. He didn't know what was happening but he figured out the ripping the paper part pretty quick. Love his hair in this picture!