Saturday, October 23, 2010

Tickle Ghosts

Nana's Tickle Ghosts

Last week Addie, Preston and Taylor did a little project at Nana's house.  I actually got this idea years ago when I taught at a Montessori Preschool.  We did this every year with black construction paper.  I still have Marci's but the paper has faded. 

I decided to use canvas instead since it was on sale at Hobby Lobby.  I painted the canvas black ahead of time so we'd be set to go.


Addie did not want to have anything to do with painting the bottom of her foot white.  Taylor thought it looked like great fun.  She was giggling the whole time so Addie agreed to join in and of course Preston wanted to keep up with the gang and was eager for his turn.  Hope and I got Ella's after school.

 
Freeman Family Ghosts

 
Taylor's Ghost

Didn't they turn out cute?

Friday, October 15, 2010

GUESS WHAT.....

Tuesday was
October 12th
and that is a reason to
CELEBRATE
31 Wonderful Years with this guy!
Happy Anniversary Mark !
repost and update:
"31 reasons why I lve Mark"
(in no particular order)
  1. I love that you have a great sense of humor. It was one of the first things that attracted me to you. You are hilarious. You kept me laughing when we first met and you still keep me laughing today. I love it.   
  2. I love your beautiful blue eyes.  
  3. I  love that you are an amazing father. You are involved in their lives, show them affection, lead them, teach them, and always love them. I couldn't have dreamed of having a better man to raise children with than you.   
  4. I love your kind heart. You have a genuine love for people and a have always had a spirit of generosity. 
  5. I love that you are gifted at ironing clothes and still iron everyone's clothes for church.
  6. I love that you are a very hard worker. You do so much for our family. 
  7. I love your eternal perspective.  You help me to see the big picture when I start to worry about the little things.  
  8. I love that you are the patriarch of our home. You are a protector.    
  9. I love that you are a wonderful granddad. I love to watch you tenderly rock a sweet baby to sleep.  I love the way you are playful and fun and always make time to make little ones feel special.
  10. I love that you honor your priesthood.
  11. I love that you are understanding and know when it's been a crazy week.  You never complain when I let things slide. 
  12. I love your cute legs.
  13. I love how you drive all the carpools you can when you're in town to lighten my load.
  14. I love how you are the life of the party. 
  15. I love the way you support me in all of my endeavors.  You are always my biggest fan
  16. I love the way you look in your suit every Sunday.  
  17. I love that you are a family man.  It is always so exciting when you manage to get an earlier flight.  I love that you'd rather be home with us than away.
  18. I love watching YOU watch football.  
  19. I love to talk to you.  Thanks for listening to me.  I know you are always there for me. 
  20. I love that you want to provide opportunities and experiences for your kids to learn and grow. 
  21. I love that you have sacrificed things you wanted so your children could have what they wanted. 
  22. I love the way you float in the pool after doing yard work on Saturdays. 
  23. I love that you always know just what to say when I am teary. 
  24. I love how you sing Christmas carols all year long.
  25. I love how you think everything I cook is delicious. 
  26. I love that you are proud of your children and are always their advocate. 
  27. I love your voice. 
  28. I love that you love me. You are the first person I want to talk to everyday.  You love to make me smile. You really are my best friend.
  29. I love all of our memories together.  I love them all. The sad ones, funny ones and sweet ones. We have learned so much together and I love who we have become together.
  30. I love, love, love DATE Nite. You are so fun to be with and I always look forward to "OUR" time
AND  
   31.  YOU.  I love you. Simply YOU


Thursday, September 30, 2010

Thank You Thursday - Friendship




  friendship  and  flowers

Last month one of my sweet friends dropped by unexpectedly and brought me these!

We both have been so busy that we hadn't spoken for awhile.  How did she know?  
How did she know my heart was heavy that day?
Her thoughtful visit lifted my spirits.  Just seeing her would have been enough. 
Her timing was impeccable.  
Those sunflowers were like sunshine in my kitchen so that's where I kept them. 
Everyone loved them!
Our garage is detached so we usually come in the back kitchen door.
They were the first thing to catch your eye when you came in the house.
from the Back Door 





They did their magic for days!
from the Front Door through the dining room


"Keep your face to the sunshine
and you cannot see the shadow.
It's what sunflowers do."
by Helen Keller


 They reminded  me of our ward's Relief Society theme a few years ago. 

"Sisters and Sunflowers"

We gave all the sisters this poem:

Follow The Son

Sunflowers always follow the sun,
From early morning, 'til the day is done.
They follow across the sky until night
eagerly soaking in the warmth of its light.

Like this loyal flower we too can be
Fed by His light spiritually.
As we follow His son, Jesus Christ
Becoming like Him as we soak in His light.

In most any soil their seeds will grow
With plenty of water and sunshine galore.
Small buds soon appear, then the protecting leaf
And thick stocks to support the head full of seeds.

We too can grow where we are sown,
By studying the scriptures and learning of home.
Our parents, teachers and leaders protect us
As our testimony grows stronger of our brother Jesus.

When the sunflower crown forms, it's a royal gold
The blessings of it's growth are beginning to show.
The seeds you share; love, kindness and testimony too
Will help others see the Golden Crown in you.

So follow the Son, open your heart to His light,
Seek Him first thing each morning and last one at night.
Follow Him through the heat of each day,
Live your life to become like Him -- It's the only way.




I hadn't read that in a long time.  
I love it.


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Kitty Cat Brunch


I saw this cute cat pancake over at Tip Junkie and fell in love with the idea.  I knew Addie, Preston and Taylor would love them too.  They all love pancakes and they all love cats (especially Addie Cat).  It worked out purrrrfectly to have a little "cat brunch" Monday morning.  
3 Cute Cats

 Cheshire Cat?


Taylor was so cooperative when we asked her to pause for a picture.

 Preston, Nana and Addie

Taylor Jane enjoying her last few nibbles ...



 Cool Cat Preston
A cat's a cat and that's that!

The brunch was the "cat's pajamas"



Monday, September 20, 2010

Mindful Monday

Gratitude
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
-Melody Beattie


Poor Toes

I had  
Onychocryptosis
I know . . . . Right?


I have been dealing with in-grown nails on both sides of my big toes for quite a while.  I finally got up the courage and went to a Podiatrist my good friend recommended.  It will be two weeks this Thursday since I had the little surgery and today I can honestly say I'm glad I did it! I couldn't  say that until today so I am relieved and excited.  

 "Nervous Nana"

The day after my procedure was "Grandparents Day" at Ella's school.  That was a little scary with all those cute, busy little kids in the halls and the gobs of grandparents trying to make their way to the cafeteria.  Actually, it was so crowded we ate in the Science Room.

Afterward, I really need to get off my feet so I stopped by Marci's for a little visit. Kayley was in Katy for a doctor's appointment so we had some "girl" time. Marci had rented the movie Valentine's Day.  I got to sit in the big leather chair and ottoman with my feet elevated on pillows.  We couldn't stop laughing at Preston.  He just kept staring at my big bandaged toes with the funniest look on his face. If only we knew what thoughts were churning in that cute little head.

  Thanks for a fun afternoon Marci and Kayley!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Going Bananas?

Me?  Why do you ask?

Well, ummmm Yep I am a litttle

.....but it's all good.

Really 

I'll be back with more blogging this week ♥

Speaking of Bananas....

 I love Southern Living magazine. 

These recipes were all found there.

Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding

Enjoy comfort food at its best with this easy-to-make version of classic banana pudding.


via Southern Living

Yield: Makes 1 serving - If you're serving a crowd, simply prepare the recipe as many times as needed. 

Ingredients

  • 1  small banana
  • 3  tablespoons  thawed nondairy whipped topping
  • 2  tablespoons  prepared vanilla pudding
  • 2  vanilla wafers

Preparation

Cut half of 1 small banana into slices; keep other half in the peel and save for another use. Layer 1 (5-oz.) glass with 1 Tbsp. thawed nondairy whipped topping, one-fourth of banana slices, 1 Tbsp. vanilla pudding, another fourth of banana slices, and 1 vanilla wafer. Repeat. Dollop with 1 Tbsp. thawed nondairy whipped topping.

or you might want to try this

Nutter Butter-Banana Pudding Trifle


via Southern Living

This homemade pudding in this layered dessert is divine, economical, and uses on-hand staples such as milk, eggs, flour, sugar and bananas. The peanut butter sandwich cookies take this trifle over the top.
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 3  cups  milk
  • 3  large eggs
  • 3/4  cup  sugar
  • 1/3  cup  all-purpose flour
  • 2  tablespoons  butter
  • 2  teaspoons  vanilla extract
  • 5  medium-size ripe bananas
  • 1  (1-lb.) package peanut butter sandwich cookies
  • 2  cups  sweetened whipped cream
  • Garnishes: peanut butter sandwich cookies, dried banana chips, fresh mint sprigs

Preparation

1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until butter is melted.
2. Fill a large bowl with ice. Place saucepan in ice, and let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly chilled.
3. Meanwhile, cut bananas into 1/4-inch slices. Break cookies into thirds.
4. Spoon half of pudding mixture into a 3-qt. bowl or pitcher. Top with bananas and cookies. Spoon remaining pudding mixture over bananas and cookies. Top with sweetened whipped cream. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Garnish, if desired.
Note: For testing purposes only, we used Nabisco Nutter Butter® Sandwich Cookies. For photography, we divided mixture between 2 (1 1/2- to 2-qt.) wide-mouthed pitchers.
Shortcut Nutter Butter®-Banana Pudding Trifle: Omit eggs, sugar, flour, and butter. Substitute thawed extra creamy whipped topping for sweetened whipped cream. Reduce vanilla to 1 tsp. Place 3 cups milk and vanilla in large bowl; add 2 (3.4-oz.) packages vanilla instant pudding mix. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed 2 minutes or until thickened; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream. Proceed with recipe as directed in Steps 2 through 4.

This homemade pudding is divine, economical, and uses on-hand ingredients. The pudding has thickened enough when a distinct trail is left in the mixture when you stir with a spoon. The cookies will soften the longer the dessert chills.

and last but not least

Pound Cake Banana Pudding

 
via Southern Living

This recipe is inspired by the one served at the famous Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia. Look for pound cake in the frozen dessert case of the supermarket.

Ingredients

  • 4  cups  half-and-half
  • 4  egg yolks
  • 1 1/2  cups  sugar
  • 1/4  cup  cornstarch
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 3  tablespoons  butter
  • 2  teaspoons  vanilla extract
  • 1  (1-pound) pound cake, cubed
  • 4  large ripe bananas, sliced
  • Meringue

Preparation

Whisk together first 5 ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat; cook, whisking constantly, 13 to 15 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until butter melts. Layer half of pound cake cubes, half of bananas, and half of pudding mixture in a 3-quart round baking dish. Repeat layers. Cover pudding, and chill 6 hours.
Spread Meringue over pudding.
Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until golden brown.


Notes from Southern Living:

Everyone loves banana pudding – especially our readers who rated this recipe as "perfectly delicious for any occasion"! Sliced pound cake adds an unexpected update to take this classic summer dessert over the top. We recommend the Million Dollar Pound Cake for layering up the flavor.


Thursday, August 19, 2010

Thank You Thursday

Last weekend we celebrated Ella's 6th Birthday. 
August 13th
 I can't believe she is that old but she sure can!
 via Marci
 Kind, Conscientious, Responsible,Obedient,Cute, Funny ...
are just some of the words that come to mind when I think about
"Sweet Ella Bella"
 
 Thank you for being YOU
Beautiful Birthday Girl
We love YOU!
 
 

Monday, August 16, 2010

Mindful Monday

“Laughter is inner jogging.”  
                                                                                            ― Norman Cousins
Preston
via Marci

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Tuesday Tip


Over at my other blog Pineapple Hill Designs,
I usually post a TIP on Tuesdays. The start of the new school year is just around the corner.  Usually along with those preparations I feel the need to get organized.
I thought I'd share my favorite tips on the subject over here:


 Originally Posted 1/03/09

New Year-Fresh Start

Don't you just love the beginning of the new year.
The simple thought of a New Beginning and a Fresh Start is so rejuvenating. It's a great time to get into a Spring Cleaning mode with habits, attitudes and of course the home and office. January is a great time to organize your pantry, closets and cabinets. Shelters are always in big need in the winter months. The public schools and pre-schools can usually use donations for art classes, etc.
I love using baskets and containers to keep things in order.
My daughter just got a label maker for Christmas and told me she doesn't know what she did before she had it. 
Check out these free labels from Style Guide.
They're perfect for baking goods and come in three pretty colors!

Pretty in pink, this precious trio of flowerpots with matching tray is adorable for a little girl's nursery. A witty way to hold cotton balls, Q-tips and little knick knacks! Dressing your baby and locating clothes as you need them can be made easier. Start with an organizing system based on interchangeable modular units such as boxes, baskets, and sacks. Martha Stewart Kids-2001
Read the full article HERE
These are a few of our favorite "Organizational Inspiration" Spots:

Originally Posted 2/24/09

I am in a Spring Cleaning "Get Rid of Stuff" mode again. I loved this article from Blueprint Magazine.
Need little incentive....
Here's 100 REASONS to Get Rid of It.
From: Blueprint-March/April 2007
Read the rest 
 
Originally Posted 7/27/10
Jelly Jar Shelf
via Country Living
Wash and save jelly jars to attach to a shelf for creative craft storage.


 

Monday, August 2, 2010

Mindful Monday ~ To Mike

Dear Mike,

I think of you all the time, but I just want you to know that today being your birthday and all I am really missing you!    Thanks for being such a wonderful big brother to me.  I learned so much from you, more by who you were than what you said.  Everyone was always drawn to you.  You had a warmth that made people feel at ease and peaceful.  I love to think about all the lives you touched here on earth. You really did "let your light so shine".
(Me, the Indian,Mike 1964)

  I am ever so grateful for the time we had every Tuesday.  Hope still talks about our visits.  She remembers how organized you were and she cherishes MIKEY, the monkey you made when you were little.  Remember how you teased her about having a "Mikey Birthday Party" instead of a Madeline Party.  


We laugh about it still.  You went on and on about having 
Mikey invitations and Mikey plates.  

Mikey is doing well by the way.
 (he is still a little shy at first )

He stays in Hope's room mostly but likes to hang out in my sewing room from time to time. 

Sometimes he likes to have the Sock Monkey I made for you join him.  I was so excited to give you that monkey for Christmas and you made me feel like it was the coolest gift you'd ever received. 

You were always like that.  Thanks for being so kind to me. That means the world to little sisters you know.
Happy Birthday Mike!
Love and Miss You,
KelleyAnne
XO
August 2008