Pumpkin Candy Bar

via Amy Atlas 

Candy Buffets are so fun.

Remember this

and this

What better time for a "candy" ...bar, than 

Halloween!

From The Martha Stewart Show

  Tools and Materials:

• Good & Plenty
• Miniature marshmallows
• Twizzler licorice bites (Black)
• Gummy teeth
• Licorice wheels
• Candy corn
• Neapolitan licorice
• Ball pin
• Glass canisters
• Scissors
• Small pumpkin

Halloween-Candy Face How-To

1. Secure the candy to the pumpkin with ball pins that match the color of the treats so they aren't too noticeable. Tip: Chewy candy is easier to bend and snip.
2. Place pumpkin on glass canisters or reuse large glass jars for candy.
   

More Eye Candy

(sorry for the pun, couldn't help myself)

Candy Jar Labels to Print

from Martha Stewart

Photo: Laura Fenton via Shelter Pop

 

Martha Stewart Living

Candy Globes

via All You

Amy Atlas as pictured above

 

  via Martha Stewart

 

via Parents Magazine

via Southern Living

via McLellan Style

What a Scream

Don't these crack you up!

Strawberry Ghosts

 

Strawberry Ghosts published in Simple & Delicious September/October 2007, p14

Ingredients

• 30 fresh strawberries
• 8 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon shortening
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

• Wash strawberries and gently pat with paper towels until completely dry. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate and shortening at 50% power; stir until smooth. Stir in extract.
• Dip strawberries in chocolate mixture; place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet, allowing excess chocolate to form the ghosts' tails. Immediately press chocolate chips into coating for eyes. Freeze for 5 minutes.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt remaining chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Dip a toothpick into melted chocolate and draw a mouth on each face. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.

Happy Anniversary Mr. Mark

 "30 reasons why I l♥ve 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.   

AND  

   30.  YOU.  I love you. Simply YOU. 

Happy Anniversary Mark!

Thank You Thursday - Mooyah

Have you heard of Mooyah?

Kayley and Scott first told us about it.

They originated in Dallas Texas and now have locations in Houston and Austin as well.

I'm not a huge hamburger fan, but I was in heaven!

They have the best hamburger in the world, seriously.

And the fries, well there are no words to describe them.

Cinco Ranch Location

 Check out the menu  HERE

and

( ♥ isn't this thoughtful )

Mooyah loves Moms!

Every Monday Night from 5-10pm, Mooyah MOMdays 
is coming to all Mooyah locations.

Get a FREE Kids Meal* with purchase of Mooyah Burger, Turkey Burger, Black Bean or Veggie Burger.

This is what they had to say.

"Why are we doing this?
We want to show our appreciation for all you hard working Moms out there.
What better way than offering some FREE Mooyah?"

*Limit one Free kids meal per burger purchase. Free kids meal valid only for children ages 10 and under. Not valid with any other offer, promotion, or discount. Fathers are welcome to enjoy this deal too, we don't discriminate.

This led to

Tuesday night was McMeans School Spirit event at LaCenterra.

Hope's band played.  It was really fun.  Afterwards she had a great idea.
This led us to
Mooyah!

Monday Morning Chuckle

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up. 
2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house. 
3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine. 
4. Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5.  Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.) 
6. That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7.  Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever'). 
8. Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying YOU ARE WRONG!
9.  Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Thank You Thursday-The Power of Hope

The Power of Hope

I am so excited for this weekend to see General Conference. I love the down time with my family and look forward to the guidance and direction we will hear Saturday and Sunday. We (grammie's idea)started a new tradition. We get together for Sunday Dinner after all of the sessions and each person at the table talks about what they heard that most inspired them.

Last October Elder Uchtdorf gave his talk on the Inifinite Power of Hope. I chose HOPE as my "word of the year"of 2009.  I guess it was the right word because I have gone back to that talk several times(needed to).  Sometimes I just need the words to remember what I've known in my heart all along.
I just saw this for the first time. Look at the beautiful picture of NieNie right at the beginning. That girl is amazing. (If you don't know her story, you're probably the only one....go HERE and HERE .)
 THIS is beautiful.  Marci found her blog  last year and we were all hooked.  I know Stephanie has felt the love and prayers of people all over the world.  She is going to be okay. I've been so moved by her faith and her strength.  After watching this little video it dawned on me... SHE has hope.

Seriously

It's been a long haul with our computer trials.

You know what they say,

If it weren't for a little creative outlet,

 

 

 

 

and some baby sugar, 

This BABY oozes happiness!

pictures from Marci's BLOG

...Nana would be a total mess.

I'm back on track AGAIN and I refuse to have another computer problem.  I mean it.

Not waiting for Sunday

Way back, when we lived in Redlands California, some friends of ours invited us over  for "Sundaes on Sunday".  That was their weekly tradition.  Isn't that a fun idea!  I don't know if I can wait that long to try this recipe.  I found it in All You.  Marci's friend, Melissa recommended subscribing to this magazine for the great coupons.  It has definitely been worth it.

Ice Cream Sunday Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 pints vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. fudge sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Preparation:

Use a large spoon to scoop 1 pint ice cream into thin, flat scoops, and then spread on bottom of crust. Smooth with back of spoon. Spread 1/2 cup caramel sauce over ice cream. Freeze pie until solid, 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Remove frozen pie from freezer and top with another 1/2 pint ice cream; spread evenly over caramel. Spread 1/2 cup fudge sauce over ice cream. Freeze pie until solid, 30 minutes to 2 hours. Remove frozen pie and top with final 1/2 pint ice cream. Drizzle remaining 2 Tbsp. each caramel and fudge sauce over pie. Freeze pie until solid, 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until firm peaks form. Transfer whipped cream to a plastic bag and snip off a 1/4-inch tip with scissors. Pipe whipped cream around edge of pie. Freeze until ready to serve. Serve with additional whipped cream, if desired.

Thank You Thursday

 I Scream

You Scream

We all Scream

for 

FREE  

ICECREAM!

Head on over to Cold Stone Creamery (my favorite)on Thursday (9/24) a between 5-8 p.m. for the 8th annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social. Make a donation (no minimum) and receive a FREE 3 oz Sundae.

 This year it’s called “Jack’s Creation” and is ice cream mixed with brownies and rainbow sprinkles and topped with caramel!

Thanks couponcravings.com !

Hi

...just checking in. (from the kid's computer)
Still hoping and wishing and waiting.  I've got
my embroidery machine hooked up down here.
...making do♥
KA

Would you believe

my computer is in the shop AGAIN.  I know.  It is hard to believe.  You know how Windows has those updates...well, after updating, there were instructions to restart the computer, the usual right?  I hit the button to restart and had to run out the door to do a couple of errands.  When I returned, the screen to sign in was not there. Instead the screen was black with the words: Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt. system 32/hal.dll.  Please reinstall a copy of the above.  This incident happened last Wednesday.  

Wish me luck. PLEEASE 

I'll get my computer tomorrow

I'll get my computer tomorrow

I'll get my computer tomorrow

It worked for Dorothy....why not!

Marci had a great idea. I just love that girl.I brought my camera over to her house and she downloaded some pictures  for me. Thanks Marci!

Last Friday Ella's elementary school celebrated "Grandparents Day" with an invitation to join them for lunch.

Ella requested Chik-Fil-A ...a girl after my own heart.

Have you had their lemonade? They even have sugar free and it's deeelicious. 

I just found this recipe.  I can't wait to try it.

Here are some pictures, thanks again Marci for downloading them.

Nana, Ella and Kirsten

It was so much fun to watch Ella interact with the other kids and meet her new friends.  Especially, one little blond boy. Evidently he sits by Ella on the bus and told me he sits by the girl he REALLY loves.  He said Ella was a vampire because she has little teeth...the ultimate compliment of course.  

O.K. now don't forget to send those computer wishes♥

I'll keep you posted (no pun intended~LOL)

Where to begin...

Like I said before, I have so much to share.

Today's post is celebrating some WONDERFUL news. Our Mack (aka Mark) has asked Miss Cheryl Joy for her hand in marriage. She is a true to life dream girl. They are so PERFECT for each other and adore each other to the end of the earth. We ♥kind of like her♥, if you were wondering. Congratulations to Mack and Cheryl. Notice how I've added Cheryl Joy's blog(check it out) to my kid's list already. I just couldn't wait. I'm calling her mine now. We have saved the date and we can't wait!

Thank You Thursday-Remember Me?

I'm still here!
This is where I've been:

Would you believe.... my computer's hard drive crashed.

After a week of NO COMPUTER, the devastating news was delivered by this poor computer technician. After all, he really was only the deliverer. He had no idea his job could be so challenging.

So I asked, as he was plugging in all of the chords....were they able to save anything? He sheepishly looked up and sad, No....sorry. I'm sure I must of had a look of horror on my face... ( he looked a little frightened at this point) NOTHING!?! I said as nicely as possible .... no sorry.

I lost EVERYTHING. All of my family pictures, files of talks, lessons, reports ... I mean EVERYTHING.

I felt totally lost! Everytime I tried to do something, I had to download a program just to begin the project.




I didn't just feel lost. I , in fact, was totally lost. All of my contacts and calendar (did I mention, EVERYTHING) I mean everything was gone.

After feeling really, really, really sorry for myself for some time (weeks now), I'm taking a big breath and returning. Mainly because Mack keeps putting on the pressure. He is so good at that. I've always said he's a mover and shaker!





Thanks Mack. It feels good to be back.



So much to say, so little time. Miss Adeline (aka my cute cleaning lady) is coming over, so I best get the toys and puzzles ready for.

I have so much to share~!
Stay Tuned....♥

Hope's Room Makeover....Again

I hope this isn't going to be a yearly event. Last July

This July
.....coming soon!

Thank You Thursday

Tonight when the doorbell rang I wondered "who could this be" as I trotted down the stairs. What a pleasant surprise! It was Amy, one of the sweetest people on the planet. We have many things in common, one of which is that we both heart cupcakes. I was telling her how wonderful "The Sweet Tooth Fairy" Bakery in Provo is and how it was too bad that I wouldn't get to go back forever. She replied with encouragement, "have you been to Sprinkles? There's one in Dallas." I think she was shocked I'd never heard of it. Evidentally, I'm the only one.

This is what she brought.
Sprinkle's Strawberry Cupcakes,
that she made herself.
They are heavenly!

Here's the recipe if you want to make some for yourself.
Thank you so much Amy!

What I'm craving today

Creamy Lemonade Pie

via Southern Living
Recipe: Creamy Lemonade Pie

A Celebration

What a fabulous weekend we had.
Thanks for letting me steal some pictures Marci.

Saturday we celebrated the 4th at Marci and Mike's house.

Marci had quite a spread and we loved every bite.
Marci posted all the recipes on her Cooking Blog:
On My Menu
4th of July BBQ
Hot Dogs
Lemon and Garlic Grilled Chicken
Potato Chips w/Ranch Dip
Black Bean Salsa w/Tortilla Chips
Craisin and Sugared Pecan Salad
Classic Potato Salad
JELL-O cups for the kiddos (w/red & blue jello & cool whip)
Butterfinger Cheesecake Bites
Patriotic Poke Cake

After it got dark, we had a great fireworks show by the "Scotts".

The Millers joined us for the fun show. Everyone loved it except little Ella.

Nana and Ella went inside and watched from her bedroom window. We had such a sweet little conversation about celebrating America's Birthday and how fun it was to have so many aunts and uncles and grandparents there! Miss Ella is so wise for her 4 years! What a joy to share life with all these wonderful people. We were really missing Mack and Cheryl though:(.

Sunday was wonderful too. It was Preston's Blessing Day. I stole this picture from Chrissy's blog....I just love her pics.


Another picture from Marci's blog.
After wards we went back to Marci and Mike's for an incredible brunch.
Blessing Brunch:
Brunch Puff
Southwestern Quiche
Basic Breakfast Potatoes
Sausage
Fruit Salad
Breakfast Pastries


I'm afraid this weekend might be boring.
Do ya think?

Happy Independence Day

The Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Have you ever wondered what happened to those men who signed the

Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-seven fought and died from wounds or the hardships of the Revolutionary War.

What kind of men were they? 24 were lawyers and jurists. 11 were merchants, 9 were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they singed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in rags.

Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him and poverty his reward.

Vandals or soldiers, or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Rutledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis, had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire, which was done. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and soon after, she died.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and his grist mill were laid waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home after the war to find his wife dead, his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

Morris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft spoken men of means and education. They had a security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight and unwavering they pledged:

"For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor"

They gave us an Independent American
Can we keep it?

Primary Documents in American History
* Declaration of Independence
* U.S. Constitution
* The Bill of Rights
* The Federalist Papers
* Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789
* Guide to American Historical Documents Online
* Charters of Freedom from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

One day I came across

this wonderful blog, Crazy Lady on Road 80. Doesn't that title just make you want to know her! I love the way this girl thinks. Jan is truly an American Girl! Last Friday I happened by her blog for a little visit and she had an amazing give-away.


When I saw what it was, I thought of Mack immediately. I shared a little bit about him and she chose him to win the Parchment Founding Document set (constitution, declaration and bill of rights)!

I am so excited! I know he will love them.
Thank you so much Jan!

Thank You Thursday - AMERICA
Land that I l♥ve.