These Are The Days of My Life

Lighten up!

2012-02-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

Memories

2012-02-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning out some files at work today and came across these pictures.

Jordan's homecoming from his mission - 12/31/05 (Too bad it's so blurry)

Jack was obsessed with Buzz

This picture of Jack reminds me of the pictures that Kristine does of Owen. It is the same chair!

Lincoln's blessing day. The Sacramento temple in the background was still under construction.

Week in Review...

2012-01-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

I don't lead an exciting life and nothing I say in this blog will interest many people, but it is my way of documenting what is going on in my life. Maybe someday my posterity will enjoy reading about me.

Work Work Work - Things are starting to gear up for fair season at ole CFSA. I have been busy trying to keep up. It is nice to know that this will be the last year that I have to stress over deadlines, payroll issues, office politics and petty gossip!

I had dinner with friends at an excellent Japanese Restaurant, Mikuni's. I usually order a Bento box that consists of Teriyaki chicken, tempura, rice and California Roll (that is about as sushi as I get). Well these two friends are veteran Sushi lovers! They insisted that I try something new and walk on the wild side! Some of it was good but the raw tuna was just too much! I was a good sport and tried everything, but I think I will stick to California Roll from now.

I am reading this book. I am having a hard time getting through it. Some parts are very good and I agree with - other's are a little out there so I am skipping those sections. It was recommened by a friend and he assured me that it was very helpful, so I am trying to get through it.

This is what my DVR list looked like for the week:
Cupcake Wars
Kourtney & Kim Take New York
The Bachelor
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Kings basketball games
The Biggest Loser
American Idol
Top Chef Texas
Grey's Anatomy
Project Runway Allstars
Private Practice
Four Weddings
Dateline
20/20
48 Hours
Some of my favorites are missing from this list since they were all reruns. They are:
Desparate Housewives
Pan Am
Teen Mom 2
Modern Family
Parenthood
The Middle
(WOW I watch way too much TV - This is a little embarassing)

Well that's my exciting week! Maybe this next week will bring more fun and excitement! Who knows - each day is a new adventure....

I sure hope Mitt wins the Florida Primary!!!

2012-01-23T18:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday

2012-01-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

I am not a big football fan but that 49er game today was awesome!! Go 9ers! I hope they make it to the Super Bowl and play the Ravens. Erin would love that!!

After the game I had dinner with a friend at the Zinfandel Grille. That is an excellent restauant that I will definitely go back to...

So far this is a great 3-day weekend!!

Enough!

2012-01-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

I hate being sick! I am a very healthy person and the only thing I ever get every year is a cold. Unfortunately, when I get a cold, I get a cough that hangs on and on. This cold I got in November just before I left to go to Utah for Thanksgiving. Being sick on vacation is not fun. I had to stay away from my little grandson Owen and that made me really sad. The cold soon went away but the cough hung on for an extended stay. It has not kept me down but it is so annoying coughing constantly. I am sure my co-workers are so sick of listening to me hack away. Cough drops and cold pills have become my best friend!

I decided I had had enough this weekend when I started feeling like crap again. My cough got worse and my throat started hurting and my head was all stopped up. I headed over to the the local Urgent Care Center only to be told it was just a virus that will go away eventually! I was prescribed an inhaler which I think is a waste. I don't have asthma people! I guess I will just have to suffer through for who knows how long before this yuck goes away!

I have just been laying around all weekend watching movies and shows I have recorded and trying to learn how to use my newest toy!! I guess things could be worse!

Sleepover at Grammys

2012-01-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

Last week while the boys were still here I had a sleepover for them. It was so fun spending the whole evening with them watching Lion King, eating pizza and brownie sundaes and making pancakes. They are such awesome little boys and I love them so much. Can't wait to do it again!

They did a pretty good job on the Papa Murphy's Pizza

Coleman wanted to pour his own juice!

Patiently waiting for the brownie sundaes

Watching the Lion King in Grammy's bed

Jack likes to take up the entire bed!

Coleman & Lincoln helping me make pancakes in the morning

Here's to a Happy Healthy 2012!!

2012-01-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

I BELIEVE in being strong

when everything seems to be going wrong.

I BELIEVE that happy girls

are the prettiest girls.

I BELIEVE that tomorrow

is another day...

and I BELIEVE in

MIRACLES!!

I believe that 2012 is going to be a GREAT year! I can feel it....

It's been a F U N Week!!

2011-12-31T13:21:00.000-08:00

We took the boys to Fairytale Town. It is almost the same as when I took my kids there many years ago. The boys loved it. We didn't make it to the zoo or Funderland, but had a full day of fun at William Land Park!

Lincoln (Lion) = Coleman (Tin Man) - Grammy (Dororthy) - Jack (Scarcrow)

The boys having fun in the leaves!

The boys on the Pirate Ship

Lincoln hanging out in the tree. He loves to climb!

The cheese stands alone! I have pictures of my kids on this same hunk of concrete cheese!

Jack taking a break and getting a drink out of the hippo. I told you Lincoln likes to climb on things.

Had a 'couples massage' It was wonderful! I will definitely do that again!!

Saw two kids movies - Alvin and the Chipmunks - Chipwrecked and The Muppet Movie

Christmas time

2011-12-29T21:42:00.000-08:00

Two Handsome Boys!

Aunt Shauna loves her boys and they love her!!

Megan & Justin enjoying a piece of cake

My pretty girls!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Justin-Megan-Shauna-Jackson enjoying a dinner of NY steak-twice baked potatoes-
broccoli-asparagus-rolls-Lingonberry cider

Meg-Jackson-Lincoln

My boys giving Grammy a kiss after they opened their Disney WII game

My little baker doing her magic making Christmas sugar cookies

Our pretty Christmas table complete with "Brown paper packages tied up with strings"

Coleman, Lincoln & Jack ready for dinner

Jack with the Spider Man Sweatshirt Shauna got him

Lincoln playing his new harmonica with Justin & Coleman

Lincoln

Coleman opening his Mario shirt

Jack excited about his 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' books!

It was a GREAT Christmas Eve spent with family and sharing lots of love. I really missed Erin, Jordan, Kristine and Owen though!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

“This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.” -Howard W. Hunter

Mom's 94th Birthday!

2011-12-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

Wow! My Mom turned 94 on 12/17! She really did not remember it was her birthday or how old she is but I know she enjoyed having everyone over to share her day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Amy Eleanor Hedlind!!!

Russ - Mom - Stella

Russ - Mom - Me - Cousin Marcia

Russ, Mom and me

The Countdown Begins...

2011-12-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Ten Days to go... I can't believe it is almost here. I still have some shopping and wrapping and baking to do so I am getting a little stressed, but I feel like for the first time in many, many years, I am truly enjoying the season and taking time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. I have been listening to Christmas music since the day after Thanksgiving and I never get tired of it. I love this time of year!!!

How cute is this! Little Owen sitting on Santa's lap.
Next year he might not be so thrilled, but this year he doesn't seem to mind.

Christmas Brunch with friends

2011-12-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Today was my second annual Christmas Brunch. I love having friends and family over especially during the holidays. My good friends that I have known for 20+ years, Bonnie, Pam, Patrice and Sheri all came over and we enjoyed a brunch with monkey bread (Bonnie), breakfast casserole (Pam), gingerbread muffins (Sheri), orange juice (Patrice) and yogurt parfaits (me). Everything was delicious and the conversation and friendship shared was extra special. I have great friends and we have been through many things together and we always manage to help one another and to share in one another's joys and sorrows. We exchanged gifts and had a great time just sharing about our kids and grandkids and all the things that are going on in our lives. Between the five of us we have 19 kids, and 25 grandkids! We don't get together as often as we would like but when we do it seems like we pick right up where we last left off!

I love setting a festive table with all the trimmings

L to R - Patrice, Bonnie, me, Pam

Exchanging Gifts

Sheri and Patrice

L to R - Patrice, Sheri, Bonnie, Pam

Countdown to Christmas!

2011-12-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

I have been busy all weekend decorating for Christmas. I really love the holidays and all the decorations, but boy am I exhausted! I don't remember it being this much work. I guess my body is just getting older and can't handle it. My back and legs are killing me from going up and down the stairs. It is all worth it though because it looks so beautiful and I am loving just sitting here listening to Christmas music and enjoying the fruits of my labor. Now... if I just had the energy to wrap some gifts. That is really my favorite thing to do, but that will have to wait for another day.

This is my first grown up tree since my kids were born. I love having a grown up tree!

Here are a few projects I have been working on. Gifts for my friends. In between decorating I was working on these. I did 5 of each and they are all almost done!

Thanksgiving Fun

2011-12-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

Megan and me Thanksgiving morning

Pretty Thanksgiving table (too bad we didn't get a picture of everyone sitting around the table!)

Lincoln working on his Thanksgiving beads

Grammy and Owen

The Red Iguana Restaurant in Salt Lake City

Coleman (Ralphie) at Temple Square

Megan and Justin posing in front of the temple

Me, Megan, Coleman and Lincoln at Temple Square

Jordan & Kristine posing in front of temple

Patrick family in front of temple

More of Patrick family at Temple Square

Jordan & Kristine at Temple Square

Grammy and all her cute grandsons

Coleman on his 3rd Birthday!

Jordan and Owen

Owen and Daddy posing in front of the undecorated Christmas tree

Owen

Gratitude

2011-11-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when we all reflect upon the things we are most grateful for. I am so blessed and always try to think of the things I do have instead of dwelling on the things I don't. There are many obvious things I am grateful for such as family, the gospel, health, a job, prayer, good friends etc., but today I am reflecting on the everyday things that keep me going and make me happy just because. I could live without most of them (or at least try to) but they do help me to cope with life each day....

Diet Pepsi

Southwest Airlines

Target

La Bou

DVR

Whole Wheat Bagels

Chocolate

Blow Dryer

Bottled Water

Sweats

My car

Clean Sheets

Glue Gun

Computer

Cell Phone

Sun Glasses

Sonicare toothbrush

2011-11-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

I think that the only reason why
people hold onto memories so tight,
for so long is because memories are
the only things that don't change
even when people do....

More of the grandkids...

2011-11-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

This is one spoiled boy! An Icee and donut for breakfast for Coleman!!

The crazy boys modeling the jammies and beanies I sent them

Dad and Uncle Justin teaching Owen that he really will like football!

Owen after his bath.

P U M P K I N

2011-11-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

I love all things pumpkin... I love to decorate with pumpkins and I love the smell of pumpkins and I love going to pumpkin patches! It's really funny that I love pumpkin bread and muffins and cookies but I don't love pumpkin pie. In fact the taste is nauseating to me. I made some pumpkin bread this weekend and it was really delish. It is a Weight Watchers recipe, not that I am doing very well on my WW diet these days, but I am trying to find good recipes that are healthier and lower in fat and still taste good. This recipe for pumpkin bread is a winner in all categories:

3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup wheat flour

3/4 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1 t cinnamon

1/2 t cloves

1/2 t nutmeg

Combine all dry ingredients and set aside.

3 ripe bananas (mashed)

1/2 cup pumpkin

2 T butter

1/2 c brown sugar

2 eggs

1 t vanilla

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, bananas, pumpkin & vanilla.

Beat until thick. Add flour mixture & blend until combined.

Pour into loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 325 for 60 minutes.

Enjoy every moist bite!!

Here is a recipe that I am going to try this weekend. Very easy and hopefully tasty too!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Cookies

All you need is three ingredients!
Mix spice cake mix with one can pumpkin
Add chocolate chips (optional)
Bake
350 for 8-9 minutes

Let them cool (if you can) and enjoy the smell of
fall all over the house!

Name them one by one....

2011-11-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

When I think about counting my blessings I think about these four sweet babies first. I now have a son-in-law, daughter-in-law and four precious grandsons to add to my blessings, but these four came first and they were the beginning of what makes my life so special.

I love Thanksgiving and I love counting my blessings and reflecting on the things that make me happy and really matter in life. There are so many things to be thankful for and I just wanted to share a few of my favorite blessings. Aren't they the cutest? Some days I wish I could go back to those days when they were little and they loved me so much and thought I knew everything!

2011-11-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

2011-10-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

TOTALLY RANDOM

2011-10-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

Coleman, Lincoln, Jackson and Owen at the pumpkin patch. It's so fun getting pictures of all four of them together now that they all live in Utah!

Spider Cider and tubs filled with chocolates for my VT ladies

Just some words to live by

This is the only picture I got from the Sweet 16 party I helped with

Sneak Peek

2011-10-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am helping a co-worker with her daughter's 16th birthday party. When she approached me, I was very hesitant because I am not that creative. My daughters are... I am not. I love making things, but most of the time they are just medicore but fun to do. Sooo needless to say I have been stressed and reluctant about planning this party. The party is today and I will be heading over to her house shortly to help decorate. Here are the things I have been working on the past couple of weeks....

This is not what I had invisioned. I wanted large letters but they were too expensive so I settled for making a plaque with her name on it. My camera is crappy so you can't really see the sparkly pink letters, but it turned out cute. It will be hung with pink ribbon. (Suejin is Korean in case you were wondering about her unique name)

This is the cupcake stand that I made out of a pizza pan, and silver plates from the Dollar Store. The pillars are made from a tooth brush holder and cup I found at Ross. I spray painted everything white and it looks pretty amazing. This picture doesn't do it justice but it is really cute and will be even cuter with the pink and green cupcakes!

I found this cake plate at Marshalls for $3.99 and wove pink striped ribbon in it. The picture quality is awful but the brownie pops were dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with white and green and tied with pink and green ribbon and twine. These brownie pops were a pain to make. I hope they taste better than they look!

These are mints that I have been making for years. Very simple and they always look nice and taste pretty good too. My kids used to love making them. The ingredients are butter, Karo syrup, powered sugar, and mint extract. I added some white sprinkles this time. I think I am going to put them on the brownie pop plate but not sure yet.

There will be more pictures to come. I am praying that this will all come together and look really good! They are having a big Asian meal first and then an amazing dessert bar with cupcakes, brownie pops, sugar cookies, chocolate fountain with rice krispie treats, strawberries, marshmellows and pineapple. Should be fun!!

My four cutie pies

2011-10-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

Owen is almost 4 months and getting cuter every day! He learned a new trick this week.
He rolled over!!

Coleman waiting for Lincoln to get out of school. Sure beats waiting in front of the old school!!

The biggest cousin holding the littlest cousin! Jack and Owen getting to know each other.

Welcome to UTAH Patrick boys! What a gorgeous view they have!

Lincoln with the Panda Bear I sent him. He loves stuffed animals and this week he loves Pandas!

(All photos courtesy of Facebook and Twitter!)

I Heart Fall

2011-10-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season. My fall favorites are:

Cold crisp mornings
Sunny bright afternoons
Cool breezy nights
Great sleeping weather
Beautiful colors
Crunchy juicy apples
Baking pumpkin bread and cookies
Candy corn and Halloween chocolates
Coming up with Christmas projects
Thanksgiving
Comfort food
Taking a brisk walk

I made this Fall picture for a friend's birthday. I love the way it came out.

2011-10-06T10:28:00.001-07:00

Chocolate Zucchini Bread - YUM!!!

2011-10-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

From this....

To this...

D e l i c i o u s!!!

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

2 cups flour

2 t cinnamon

1/2 t salt

1 1/2 t baking soda

6 T cocoa powder

1/2 c Canola Oil

1 c sugar

3 eggs

2 t vanilla

1/2 c sour cream

3 cups grated zucchini

3/4 c mini chocolate chips

Prepare two loaf pans with cooking spray or butter and flour. Pre-heat oven to 350.

Mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda and cocoa in a small bowl. Set aside.

In large bowl beat oil, sugar and eggs til combined and fluffy (about 2 min)

Add vanilla and sour cream. Stir in grated zucchini. Stir flour mixture into batter.

Fold in chocolate chips. Divide batter into two loaf pans. Prepare topping:

Topping

2 T brown sugar

2 T sugar

1/2 t cinnamon

Sprinkle topping over batter. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

Cool for 5-10 minutes and remove from pans.

An Adventure!

2011-09-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

My adventure started with my luggage getting lost. Megan and I went back to the airport at 10:30 after being told my luggage was there waiting for me. WRONG! There was another suitcase there (a leopard one) with the tag Johnnie Lewis. Oops now my luggage is heading to the Rio Casino so we headed back home with a $50 Southwest voucher in hand. SW called again the next morning and we headed back to the airport. This time is was there and they gave me another $50 travel voucher. SCORE! Good thing Megan is only 10 minutes from the airport. At least I have $100 towards another trip.

Here are a few things we did while Megan and Justin went to Utah to look for a house ~

Jack at Run Plus Fun

Lincoln & Coleman coming down the slide

Lincoln is so funny. Several times he said: This is hilarious or Let's get this show on the road He also said, Church is fast on Fast Sunday but it's really slow on Slow Sunday. I love 5 year olds! Especially this cute one!!

Jack and Lincoln relaxing on the couch watching a video at Run Plus Fun

Coleman & Jack relaxing

Dinner at Panda Express

The boys enjoying their rootbeer floats and a movie

Linc enjoying the movie

Coleman calls me Crappy or Grandpa! Whenever he spills something (which is often) he quickly gets a towel and attempts to clean it up. He loves taking pictures with my camera and cell phone and loves looking at the pictures I take of him!

Jack seriously into the movie. He has been such a big help to me!!

Fall Projects

2011-09-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

I love fall and I love creating things, so I have been excited to get into the season. Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating but that is not stopping me. There are so many more things I want to make. Here are a couple of my fall decorations and a couple of projects I have completed.

Being Appreciated

2011-09-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to be recognized and appreciated. I am not a big fan of See's candy, but I do like the caramel ones so I picked all those out and shared the rest with my co-workers. Three pounds of chocolate.... I was very popular at work for a few days!!

Amy Knows....

2011-09-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

It was a great three day weekend and I got a little taste of what retirement will be like and all I know is.... I am going to love it and I can't wait.

I slept in until 8:00 every morning and stayed up until midnight
I worked on some fun projects (see below)
I rode my bike on the bike trail (2 days alone - one day with a friend)
Had In N Out Burger at 2:30 in the afternoon
Listened to oldies music while I sewed
Watched Season 2 of Parenthood
Video chatted with Owen (I did most of the chatting, Owen did most of the staring)
Cleaned my house
Walked around Michael's for an hour
Talked on the phone
Made some baked goods to freeze for gift giving

Burlap Fall Wreath. The flowers can be removed and new ones added to go with the season

Back to School clipboards for Jack and Lincoln. All I need to add is the dry erase markers
I bought the clipboards at Wal-Mart for 50 cents each, painted them the boys favorite
colors, and applied the vinyl that I ordered. The graphics are just scrapbook paper modge
podged on. A fun easy project. I hope the boys like them and use them

This was an experiment to see if I could Modge Podge. I have not done it since
they called it Decopage which was about 20 years ago. Too made I did such a
lousy job of centering the picture. This will be a re-do.

I am making this quilt for a friend's granddaughter. It is not quite done. I have not
finished sewing it yet. This one is not going together as easily as the first strip
quilt I made for Owen. I do love the pink though!

And of course, Owen was very happy about the BYU win!!

I have to say it was a great weekend and I am looking forward to more time off the end of September

Grandsons!!!

2011-09-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

Lincolns's first day of Kindergarten

Jack and Linc walking to school. Such cute brothers!

First day of school - Lincoln and Jack a big 2nd Grader

Lincoln running to Mom when school was out. They were so happy to see each other!

Crazy boy Coleman loving his popsicle

Cute Little Owen is 2 months!!!

This Grammy wins the cutest grandson's contest!!
Nobody has cuter grandsons than me....

2011-09-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

Story Time

2011-08-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Coleman reading to his brothers. Oh how I wish I could have been there to see this. I love these cute little boys!!!

Random Stuff....

2011-08-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Just ordered the vinyl to make these cute clipboards for my grandsons. Jack's will be green and Lincoln's will be blue... I am excited to get started!!!

It is so fun seeing my boy with his boy! At least in pictures. I wish I could see it first-hand but you gotta take what you can get. Thanks Kristine for posting so many cute pictures of Owen on Twitter. I hope you don't mind that I steal them. I love this one!! He looks so big. By the time I see him again he will be 5 months old.

These two things I want and need for my bike. I am still riding about 3x a week and loving it. I want a pack to put my keys and phone in and some ID and also an odometer to tell how many miles I am riding and how many calories I am burning.

This is such a great idea to organize your ribbon. Mine is thrown in a drawer so I am going to use this little organizer so there will be no more messy unrolled ribbon and I will have easy access to the colors I need for all my projects. So simple and so cheap. I love it!

It seems that I blog about cookies often. What can I say - I love cookies, especially chocolate chip cookies. I gave most of them away for thank you gifts to all my co-workers who helped me out during my stressful, crisis at work!! I did eat a few myself and enjoyed every morsel dipped in a glass of ice cold milk...

I had dinner at my dear friend's Tim and Kathleen's this week. She is such a good cook and I always love going to their house for dinner. We had BBQ pork tenderloin that was so tender and juicy you could cut it with a fork, fresh baby green beans, delicious potato salad (different than any I had ever tasted) and fresh peaches. Everything was wonderful the food and the company. Thanks Kath and Tim. We always have some good laughs and they always pick me up when I am down.

Smile

2011-08-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Just call me....

2011-08-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

This past week at work has been a real challenge for me. I don't know if I am just getting too old, too slow or just plain burned out. I don't think I have ever been so stressed at work in my life! Everything had a Friday deadline and it seemed that there was no light at the end of a very dark tunnel. By the end of the day I was so spent and so over it all that I went home and literally collapsed (except for the baby shower I had to go to and movie night with my friends) I was too tired to eat or think! I had a headache every day and my neck and back were killing me. I am so ready for this all to be over so I can retire and live the life of leisure. One more fair season and I am done! I just hope I make it through one more! I feel like I am going to be the employee who gets up on the desk and starts throwing things and starts screaming and going ballistic and they have to carry me off in a strait jacket! Soooo Wonder Woman I am not and I am okay with that believe me........

This will be me in 14-16 months! Wish me luck I hope I make it that long.

OWEN

2011-08-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

He is getting so big. I think I need to go visit him soon so we can snuggle!

It's been one of those weeks....

2011-08-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

I love my LBD

2011-08-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

Little black dress

Fashion historians ascribe the origins of the little black dress to the 1920s designs of Coco Chanel, intended to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color. Its ubiquity is such that it is often simply referred to as the "LBD."^[
The "little black dress" is considered essential to a complete wardrobe by many women and fashion observers, who believe it a "rule of fashion" that every woman should own a simple, elegant black dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion: for example, worn with a jacket and heels for daytime business wear or with more ornate jewelry and accessories for evening. Because it is meant to be a staple of the wardrobe for a number of years, the style of the little black dress ideally should be as simple as possible: a short black dress that is too clearly part of a trend would not qualify because it would soon appear dated.

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy
epitomized the standard for wearing little black dresses, accessorized with pearls, as was
frequently seen throughout the early 1960's.

This is the little black dress I bought a long time ago and it has never gone out of style. I am happy that I can get into again. I wore it to church Sunday with pearls and a pink cardigan. In the winter I wear it with a white blouse and it turns into a jumper. I love this dress. It is so practical and can be worn with jackets, sweaters, pearls, pins, etc. The possibilities are endless! Everyone needs a LBD!!



















Films	Coco Before Chanel ·Coco Chanel ·Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky



Materials	Cotton ·Fur ·Leather ·Linen ·Nylon ·Polyester ·Rayon ·Silk ·Spandex ·Wool

Tops	Blouse ·Crop top ·Dress shirt ·Halterneck ·Henley shirt ·Hoodie ·Jersey ·Guernsey ·Poet shirt ·Polo shirt ·Shirt ·Sleeveless shirt ·Sleeveless sweater ·Sweater ·T-shirt ·ub top ·Turtleneck ·Twinset

Trousers or pants	Bell-bottoms ·Bermuda shorts ·Bondage pants ·Capri pants ·Cargo pants ·Culottes ·Cycling shorts · Dress pants · Jeans ·Jodhpurs ·Overall ·Parachute pants ·Phat pants ·Shorts ·Sweatpants ·Windpants

Skirts	A-line skirt ·Ballerina skirt ·Fustanella ·Hobble skirt ·Jean skirt ·Job skirt ·Leather skirt ·Kilt ·Men's skirts ·Microskirt ·Miniskirt ·Pencil skirt ·Poodle skirt ·Prairie skirt ·Rah-rah skirt ·Sarong ·Skort ·Slip ·Train ·Wrap

Dresses	Ball gown ·Cocktail dress ·Débutante dress ·Evening gown ·Gown ·Jumper dress ·Little black dress ·Petticoat ·Sari ·Sundress ·Tea gown ·Wedding dress ·Wrap dress

Suits and uniforms	Academic dress ·Afrocentric suit ·Black tie ·Buddhist monastic robe ·Clerical clothing ·Court dress ·Gymslip ·Jumpsuit ·Lab coat ·Lounge suit ·Mao suit ·Morning dress ·Pantsuit ·Red Sea rig ·Scrubs ·Stroller ·Tangzhuang ·Tuxedo ·White tie

Outerwear	Abaya ·Academic gown ·Anorak ·Apron ·Blazer ·Cagoule ·Cloak ·Coat ·Duffle coat ·Duster ·Frock coat ·Jacket ·Greatcoat ·Leather jacket ·Goggle jacket ·Hoodie ·Opera coat ·Overcoat ·Pea coat ·Poncho ·Raincoat ·Redingote ·Robe ·Shawl ·Shrug ·Ski suit ·Sleeved blanket ·Sports coat ·Top coat ·Trench coat ·Vest ·Waistcoat ·Windbreaker

Underwear	Boxer briefs ·Boxer shorts ·Brassiere ·Briefs ·Compression sportswear ·Corselet ·Corset · Diaper ·Dickey ·Knickers ·Lingerie ·Loincloth ·Long underwear ·Panties ·Teddy ·Temple garment ·Trunks ·Undershirt

Accessories	Ascot tie ·Belly chain ·Belt ·Bolo tie ·Bow tie ·Chaps ·Coin purse ·Cufflink ·Earring ·Gaiters ·Gloves ·Hairpin ·Handbag ·Leg warmer ·Leggings ·Muff (handwarmer) ·Necklace ·Necktie ·Scarf ·Shoe buckle ·Stocking ·Sunglasses ·Suspenders ·Tights

Footwear	Athletic shoe ·Boot ·Court shoe ·Dress shoe ·Flip-flops ·Hosiery ·Sandal ·Shoe ·Slipper ·Sock

Headwear	Balaclava ·Bonnet ·Cap ·Crown ·Deely Bobber ·Fascinator ·Fillet ·Hairnet ·Hat ·Headband ·Headscarf ·Helmet ·Hood ·Kerchief ·Mask ·Snood ·Tiara ·Turban ·Veil ·Visor ·Wig

Nightwear	Babydoll ·Blanket sleeper ·Negligee ·Nightcap ·Nightgown ·Nightshirt ·Peignoir ·Pajamas

Swimwear	Bikini ·Boardshorts ·One-piece ·Square leg suit ·Swim briefs ·Swim cap ·Swim diaper ·Swim trunks ·Wetsuit

Clothing parts	Back closure ·Buckle ·Bustline ·Button ·Buttonhole ·Collar ·Cuff ·Elastic ·Fly ·Hemline ·Hook-and-eye ·Lapel ·Neckline ·Pocket ·Revers ·Shoulder pad ·Shoulder strap ·Sleeve ·Snap ·Strap ·Velcro ·Waistline ·Zipper

National costume	Albanian dress ·Abaya ·Aboyne dress ·Áo bà ba ·Áo dài ·Áo tứ thân ·Baro't saya & Barong Tagalog ·Bunad ·Þjóðbúningurinn ·Cheongsam (Qípáo) ·Dashiki ·Deel ·Dhoti · Dirndl ·Djellaba ·Gákti ·Gho & Kira ·Han Chinese clothing ·Hanbok ·Highland dress ·Jellabiya ·Jilbāb ·Kebaya ·Kente cloth ·Kilt ·Kimono ·Lederhosen ·Sampot ·Sarafan ·Sari ·Sarong ·Shalwar kameez · Sherwani · Thawb

Historical garments	Banyan ·Bedgown ·Bodice ·Braccae ·Breeches ·Breeching ·Brunswick ·Caraco ·Chemise ·Cravat ·Chiton ·Chlamys ·Close-bodied gown ·Doublet ·Exomis ·Farthingale ·Frock ·Himation ·Hose ·Houppelande ·Jerkin ·Justacorps ·Knickerbockers ·Palla ·Peplos ·Polonaise ·Sack-back gown ·Smock-frock ·Stola ·Toga ·Tunic

History and surveys	Africa ·Ancient Greece ·Ancient Rome ·Ancient world ·Anglo-Saxon ·Byzantine ·Early Medieval Europe ·Han Chinese ·History of clothing and textiles ·History of Westernfashion series (1100s-2000s) ·Sumptuary law ·Timeline of clothing and txtiles technology ·Vietnam ·Women wearing pants

See also

Jimmer!

2011-07-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

This sign can be seen from I-80 in Sacramento at the Scandia Mini Golf Course. Classy Sacramento!!

Stuff...

2011-07-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

I came across this picure and was amazed that
someone would actually put bikes all over their house. A little weird don't you think?

I wish this said Pepsi but Coke will do in a pinch.

I am having withdrawals lately since I have not been to Disneyland lately. How cool
would it be to stay in this Mickey Mouse Suite. I bet my grandsons would love this!

Speaking of bikes... I have been riding mine alot lately. I am enjoying it so much especially
since I got this new bike seat installed last weekend. It is so comfy.

Kristine posted this picture of Owen going for a stroll. He is growing so fast and is so adorable.

These ice cream sanwiches look so yummy. They are made with a cake mix
and are so easy to make. I need a good excuse to make them!

Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy

2011-07-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Fun with the grandkids!!

Megan has been here all week and I was able to spend a little time with her and the boys. Not nearly as much as I would like but anytime with them is treasured... We spent time at the park, CA State Fair, and my work dinner at the Turf Club at Cal Expo.

Made these bottles filled with goodies for them to take on the car ride home

WW Brownies

2011-07-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

I was really craving brownies. Brownies and chocolate chip cookies are my favorite treat. I decided to try the Weight Watchers version of brownies so here goes....

Brownie Mix - I used Duncan Hines Fudge Brownie Mix
6 Egg Whites
1/3 cup non fat Vanilla Yogurt
3 T Water
Pre-heat oven to 350 and spray bottom of 9x13 pan with cooking spray
Mix all ingredients together and spread into baking pan

Bake for 20 minutes (approximately - my oven tends to cook faster)
Cool and cut into 24 squares. Each square is 3 Weight Watcher points.

They are not as chewy as I like. They are more cake like brownies but they were pretty tasty. I would make them again. I think I better take them to work though so I won't eat them all. (I will save a couple for Megan!)

Lemonade

2011-07-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

I love the saying: If Life Gives You Lemons Make Lemonade
A few years ago I taught a Relief Society lesson using that analogy. Studying that lesson made me realize that even in the worst of times there is hope that things will get better.

Life is not always easy. There are many bumps along the way. Things happen to us that we have no control over and it can be very, very hard, but we do the best we can, dust ourselves off and get right back up again. Why? Because we need to in order to survive and be happy in this life. A friend of mine always tells me "If you hadn't experienced the things you did, you wouldn't be the person you are today." I always think about that when I am feeling down.

Life can change so quickly. Just one phone call can alter your life forever. I have never appreciated it when people say, "It could be worse." I don't like that philosophy because whatever trial you are experiencing is valuable, and should not be discounted. We minimize the experience when we say that. It is not easy to embrace the trial, but most healthy minded people eventually do. We are wired to survive, so we find ways to not just make the best of the situation, but to make it our finest hour.

I know, like most people, I spend a lot of time worrying about what might happen. Earth life is tricky, it is filled with all kinds of road blocks, problems and obstacles. And it could be tempting to think the odds are too great and simply give up. When we hear the news, it is all bad. But there are a lot of great things happening out there as well, they just don't get the press like the bad things.

President Dieter Uchtdorf said, "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness".

I believe that. I know that when one person refuses to see a half empty glass they inspire the next person, and the next and the next. That is what hope is.

So... If Life gives you lemons.....

Random Stuff

2011-07-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

Today was sweet baby Owen's blessing day. I wish I could have been there to share in his special day. There should be a law against grown children moving away to another state!

I love this quilt! I am in the mood to be creative and this quilt will fulfill my craving. I have no
idea who I will give it to but I will put it away for a special little girl (I am hoping)

Lincoln graduated from pre-school! (I kept forgetting to post this)
He is getting so big. I can't believe this little stinker will be a kindergardner,

Weight Watchers is still going well. This is what I eat for breakfast most days: Vanilla Yogurt, Strawberries, Blueberries and Granola. I have lost 2 1/2 inches from my waist. It feels so good to wear smaller clothes and clothes that actually fit.

For the next month and a half I will not have much of a life because I will be working lots of hours due to the Santa Barbara County Fair and the California Mid State Fair. These two fairs keep me very busy during July and August. After this summer I will only have one more fair season to go through and I will be done. I am NOT going to miss it!!

Meeting Little Owen

2011-07-06T21:51:00.000-07:00

Loved holding and cuddling him

Precious little sweetheart

First Bath!

He loved it....!!

Dinner at Texas Roadhouse

The last day of my trip I had lunch with my very special friend, Carol Love.
It was so good to see her. I can't remember when I have laughed so hard!

The Perfect Cookie

2011-06-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

I cant believe I am blogging about cookies. I'm on the 8th week of Weight Watchers and have lost 14 pounds! How can I even be thinking about cookies!!!

When you’re having a tough day, what can cheer you up better than a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie? It's something about the comforting, nostalgic fragrance of the cookies baking — that buttery-rich scent wafting through the air and stirring up fond memories. (Young or old, who can stop themselves from drooling?)

The perfect cookie means something different to each person depending on whether you lean towards the crispy side or the soft, chewy side. Not saying one is better than the other; in fact, both are pretty fantastic, it just depends on what you’re in the mood for.

This is what the experts say:

1. Invest in a Scale
It’s important to weigh ingredients in baking, and a scale allows you to make a more consistent product, something that is especially important in a bakery. But at home this is also something that can affect the outcome of a cookie recipe.

2. Dark Brown vs. Light Brown Sugar
Dark brown gives it an extra bit of density and allows it to rise a little more than when you use light brown sugar.

3. The Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients is a very important thing. It’s important to use high-quality products and use a good quality chocolate.

4. Don’t Overmix
Use a very low mixing speed. People think that you need to cream the butter, and if you do it so much that the sugar and butter become a spread, then that makes it flat. It should still be pretty chunky, and you should see a decent amount of butter and sugar. At that point, add the eggs and the vanilla. You'll still see some chunks of butter, and that’s when it will start to get creamier. Always do this on a very low mixing speed, 30 seconds.

5. What Type of Mixer to Use
A Kitchen Aid is the best if you have one (my daughter has mine). If you don't have a Kitchen Aid you either mix by hand or use an hand mixer. Before Kitchen Aids were invented mixing was done by hand or in my generation with a hand mixer and the cookies were still yummy!

6. Silpat or Parchment
The experts recommend using parchment paper because it allows the cookies to bake better. I have always used a baking sheet, but maybe I should switch.

7. Type of Oven
While a convection oven is best because the fan really helps in baking, you need to learn your oven. No oven is perfect, so you need to understand your oven and that just because a recipe says to bake something at 325 degrees, it doesn’t mean you have to do it.

8. Baking
It’s super important to under bake your cookies just a little. I personally don't like hard cookies, and if a recipe says to cook for 20 minutes, bake it until 18 minutes and see how it comes out. And that extra two minutes might be what makes it crispy and not so great.

9. Turn the Cookies
This is something that also needs to be done at home to ensure even baking. In order to insure that the cookies in the back do not burn, you need to turn them. (I never knew that)

10. Last Tips
Play around and have fun. Try incorporating some of your favorite ingredients into cookies and see what happens. Don’t think too much about it, they’re cookies after all.

Fun Easy 4th of July Treat

2011-06-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Week!

2011-06-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Jordan said: "Great week for me. Son was born and Jimmer becomes a King."

LIFE DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT!!!!

Introducing my newest grandson....

2011-06-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Owen Jordan Lewis
June 18, 2011
6 lbs 15 oz
Congratulations to Jordan and Kristine!

2011-06-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

Heres to a special friendship!!

2011-06-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

Kathleen and I have been friends since 6th grade so that makes us friends for50 years!!! We were inseparable in Jr High and High School. We have stayed close all these years and I consider her and her husband Tim my very special friends. I have so many memories of trips to Santa Cruz, walking to Thriftys for ice cream, movies at the Crest, Alhambra or Tower Theaters, cruising down J street, Beach Boy concerts, dressing alike, sneaking away from closed campus at Johnson to go to McDonalds, her silver Corvair, drive-in movies, the State Fair, sleepovers, boyfriends, laughing fits and the list goes on and on. We were as close as friends could possibly be. We shared everything with each other. It is such a blessing to know that she is still in my life after all these years and I know I can always count on her for advise or a shoulder to cry on and I hope she knows she can count on me too!

...

My three favorite little boys....

2011-06-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this picture of the boys enjoying the sunshine!!

so True...

2011-06-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

I Am.....

2011-06-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

DEDICATED to my family and the friends I treasure

A LOVER of shopping for new clothes - purses - fresh flowers - and children's laughter

PASSIONATE about my grandsons - patriotism - being healthy - the little things in life

A BELIEVER in miracles - love - the golden rule - integrity

DRAWN to anything citrus - black and white - good people - the color green

FAN of Fridays - Chocolate - my new TV - 60's music - classic movies - Meridian Grille

NOT a FAN of airports - peas - tennis shoes - insomnia - gray roots - liars

NOT PLEASANT to be around when I am sad - tired - overwhelmed - nervous

FANATICAL about making lists - weighing myself - being on time - my laptop

AFRAID of public speaking - getting sick - being alone - frogs

SUCKER for babies - my grandsons - reality TV - a good bargain - loyalty

I am... gullible - ridiculously sentimental - always anxious - impatient - spontaneous

My New Ride

2011-05-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I have wanted a bike for a long time so I could switch up my walking for some bike riding. Found this little beauty on Craigs List and with the help from a friend it was cleaned up and in tip top condition in no time and ready to ride. Can't wait to hit the trails!!!

Jack and Lincoln's Birthday Party

2011-05-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

As you can tell....Jackson and Lincoln had a Mario/Luigi themed birthday party. Of course Megan went all out and made everything and invited 16 kids!! She is an amazing Mom.....

Lover of sayings.....

2011-05-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Luigi & Mario

2011-05-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

AKA Jackson and Lincoln

Sinless Lemon Pie

2011-05-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have been on a blog roll lately. Who would think I have that much to blog about??

Something about the impending heat of summer brings out a craving for tart lemons. If you’re looking for something light and sweet that won’t blow your bathing suit dreams, try this tastefully trim and delicious Creamy Lemon Pie. It’s only four Weight Watcher’s points, if you’re counting, and well worth it with lots of lemony bang for your buck. Try it out! You’ll thank me later.
Creamy Lemon Pie
6 whole reduced-fat graham crackers
2 T butter
11 oz fat-free sweetened condensed milk
2 large eggs
½ c. fresh lemon juice (I used more because I am a lemon freak!)
1 T lemon zest

Begin by putting your graham crackers into the food processor ( used my blender) and pulsing until you have fine crumbs.
Place crumbs in a small bowl. Melt butter and pour over the graham cracker crumbs, mixing until all the crumbs are moistened. Press crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie plate and place it into the fridge until your ready for it.
In a medium bowl whisk together the condensed milk and 2 eggs until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice and zest and stir until everything is incorporated throughout. Pour this mixture into the pie crust.
This literally takes about ten minutes to do.
Now bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool your pie completely and then chill through for best flavor.
Weight Watchers says you should get 10 slices….

This pie is best eaten slowly, savoring every lemony bite. YUM! I hope you enjoy this better-for-you confection. Serve it to your friends and they’ll never once complain about eating “diet” food.!!

And I Never Will.....

2011-05-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Random Stuff

2011-05-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

What girl doesn't love getting flowers and this year I was lucky enough to get them at work and at home! It made me feel special and that is always a good thing for anybody....

I am obsessed lately with lemons and limes, especially limes. I can hardly drink a Diet Pepsi or Coke without it and I squeeze one on my chicken, fish and anything else I can think of. I love sour stuff now for some reason. I could never eat one by itself though - not quite that obsessed!

This book is soooo good. I highly recommend it. It is a novel about the south in the early 60's where there was a major problem with segregation. Growing up in California was so different and I am so grateful for that. The book is a real eye opener of how things were back then. There is a movie coming out based on this book in August. I will definitely be seeing it.

Shauna posted this picture on her blog and it brought back so many memories for me. It was taken ten years ago at her high school graduation. I look so young in this picure! How did I age so much in ten short years? When I think back about my life ten years ago there has been so much that has happened. My family dynamic is so different. Erin was 24 and living in Indiana - Megan was 21 and serving a mission in Canada - Shauna was 18 and graduating from Folsom High and Jordan was 16 and a sophomore. Wow that really amazes me. Besides being ten years older there has been so many changes for me.

I have taken the plunge and joined Weight Watchers. I am ready to get in shape and lose those extra 20+ pounds I have been carrying around. Weight sure can creep up on you when you least expect it! I have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it is and how much food I get to eat. The pounds are coming off slowly and that is a good thing! Can't wait to have jeans that I can breathe in again!!

I saw this quote the other day and really thought it had a lot of merit. You can apply it to many areas of your life:
"Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option."

One year older and wiser too....

2011-05-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

To all you Moms out there...

2011-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I made these mini chocolate bundt cakes for some of my favorite Moms

I used take out boxes and this cute little tag

Happy Mother's Day!!

Utah Trip

2011-05-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Took a trip to Utah for Jordan's graduation and Kristine's baby shower....

Jordan before leaving for the graduation

Birds Eye view of the graduates

Erin & Jack waiting for the ceremonies to begin

Proud Mom with her handsome graduate and beautiful wife

We got a chance to see Jordan & Kristine's new home

Coleman on the floor of the new house playing Mario on the DS - pretty amazing for a 2 year old!

We woke up to SNOW!!

Lincoln at Pirate Island Pizza with his dinosaur balloon.

It was a great time! So proud of Jordan for his accomplishment. It was fun to be with family and share in the great occasion.

My new LOVE

2011-05-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

My kids surprised me this weekend with an early Mother's Day/Birthday gift. They are the best and they spoil me! Last year Disneyland and this year this:

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

LOVE IT!!!!!

GREAT MOVIE!!!

2011-04-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

Today our office went to the movies. It was a fund raiser for a disease that elephants get called EEHV. In the fair and circus industry there is a company called Have Trunk...Will Travel and they own some of the elephants that are the children of Rosie the elephant that was featured in this movie. I am NOT an animal lover and definitely NOT an elephant lover, but this movie is a must see. I loved it and so did most of my co-workers. Reese Witherspoon is one of my favorites and I was pleasantly surprised with the performance of Robert Pattinson. Go see this WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, I think you will like it....

Old Photos

2011-04-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

My sister Karen and me in about 1972 - Don't you just love my wiglet?!

My parents with my sister Karen in about 1978

My Dad, Carl Russell Hedlind at Crocker Bank in Sacramento just before he retired in 1969

My grandparents, Amy Lee & Horace Taylor Wells in 1962

My grandparents house on Donner Way in Curtis Park in Sacramento CA

Me and my niece Lisa in 1961

My sister Karen and me with our Dad in 1971

My sister Karen, my brother Russ and me in 1974

My Children are a BLESSING

2011-04-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

I had visitors last week and I really enjoyed the time I was able to spend with Jordan and Kristine. It is always such a treat when my kids come to visit. I miss having family around. I am excited that I get to see them again in two weeks!

Megan and her family are getting ready for Easter next week. The Jack & Lincoln had parties at school and even Coleman got to be part of the fun! (not sure why some of the pictures are small and some are big!)

Erin has been rooting for the Orioles and rescuing stray dogs!

Shauna has been painting and spending her birthday with Megan at the play Wicked...

As for me.... I have just been working and watching TV! So grateful to have childen and grandchildren!!

New TV!!!

2011-04-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

I was able to watch General Conference today on my new (used) TV. It is much bigger than my old one and I really am enjoying it! It is not a fancy flat screen but it works for me! I painted an old coffee table I had out in the garage black and it works perfectly as a stand. My old entertainment center is now in my bedroom and it looks great in there. New things (even if they are used) make me happy....

Wrapped in Love

2011-03-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

Meet my new grandson - He is hiding right now staying safe and warm in his pretty Mommy's belly. We already love him and can't wait until he arrives in June

His Grammy has been busy making him a quilt to cuddle in, slobber all over and roll around on. I hope he likes it. It was made with lots and lots of LOVE!!

Grandkids!

2011-03-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

I took another trip to Vegas. Megan had surgery #2 - this time on her left hand. It was a success and I enjoyed spending time with her family and being with my grandsons. They are growing by leaps and bounds and Coleman is talking up a storm. Lincoln is playing T-Ball and Jackson is playing soccer. They are busy, busy, busy.
Here are a few pictures to document the trip....

Another Day...

2011-02-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I have have 3 days off! It has been raining all week and the sun finally came out for a little while today. It is so pretty out when everything is green. That is one of the things I love about this area, it is really green and pretty in the fall and winter and most of spring. You gotta put up with the rain though!

I am really on a roll with sewing lately. All I have made so far are burp cloths, but I am going to attempt a quilt very soon. I decided to buy some pink girlie flannel to make burp cloths for little baby girls in case there is going to be one born someday. One of my friends at work just had a new granddaughter yesterday so I will give her daughter-in-law some.

(These are just pinned together so they are not finished yet)

My hair is getting so long I can hardly stand it. I wish I knew where to get it cut. I think I am going to get an A-line again. I just need to find someone that I feel confident with. Maybe I will wait until I go to
Megan's next month and have her friend Kiley cut it. I am not sure I can wait that long though! I actually went to the grocery store with a ponytail today! Sure glad I didn't see anybody I know. I am sure I looked ridiculous!

I have not been eating very good lately (what else is new?) I have decided that I am going to eat vegetables everyday this coming week. That means I have to cook which I really don't love doing just for one. It is a real chore but I am going to make a real effort to eat vegetables and protein this week and not come home from work and eat crackers and cereal!

Since I have such talented daughters I decided to start a craft blog so there would be some record of all the beautiful amazing things they have made. It is still in the works and is very basic, but if you want to take a look go here: LPCrafters.blogspot.com

I am sort of hooked on another reality TV show. If you are obsessed with birthing babies like I am check out this new show on Tuesdays at 10 on Lifetime. It might not be a good idea for Jordan to watch this. It could freak him out!

That about wraps up my exciting life for now.

Jack's a Winner!!

2011-02-11T23:10:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it!!! Jackson won the Reflections Art Contest at his school. This little six year old wonder boy won a TV, art supplies galore and a party. A whole lot of stuff for such a first grader. Up until now his most exciting day was losing his first tooth just two weeks ago. Tonight he laid in his queen size bed in his own room watching his very own TV. How lucky can a six year old be! I know I speak for the whole family, when I say, "WE are proud of you, I say WE are proud of you!!!"

Why are these pictures so teeny??

Busy Saturday

2011-02-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

Our Relief Society Activity this week is about Love and Time. President Uchtdorf recently gave a talk entitled "In Family Relationships LOVE is really spelled T I M E" Since I am on the committee I got to spray paint 25 discs which will eventually be clocks. We will be assembling them this week. We have a very ambitious, talented leader and she never does anything half way! So.....this is how I spent most of my Saturday.

25 wooden discs to spray paint black

One coat completed

This is what they will look like when they are completed

As a side note - Don't use spray paint with open-toed shoes!!

Taking care of things....

2011-01-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

I spent 5 days in Las Vegas taking care of Megan after she had carpal tunnel surgery on her right hand. It has been awhile since I have done so much laundry, cleaning and running after kids. It was all for a good cause though and I loved every minute of the time I got to spend listening to Jack read, making brownies with Lincoln, and trying my hardest to get Coleman to like me. (I finally succeeded the last day!) Megan was a trooper and tried very hard to go about her normal duties, but it wasn't easy for her and I am so glad I was there to help.

Here are a few pictures of the week...

Megan on Friday after her surgery. Coleman had a hard time understanding why Mommy could not hold him

I told Jack and Lincoln I would help them clean up their room and Justin told them if they did a good job he would have a surprise for them. He made two awesome race cars out of ice cream sandwiches and they were thrilled!

Coleman sitting on the counter looking cute!

Lincoln and I made heart shaped brownies. He even cracked the eggs all by himself and put the sprinkles on. He was so proud!

The boys at the park on the slide

Jack and Lincoln making giant bubbles at the Children's Museum

Coleman at the Children's Museum

Jack changing a tire at the Children's Museum

Mormon Bloggers

2011-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

This is a very interesting article on Mormon stay at home Mom blogs written by a feminist atheist who can't bake a cupcake. So why is she addicted to the shiny, happy lives of Mormon women? Read the article and find out....
salon.com/life/feature/2011/01/15/feminist_obsessed_with_mormon_blogs

Weekend Project

2011-01-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

I found a great deal on receiving blankets at Target this weekend and decided to make some burp cloths for my soon to be new grandson. They were very easy and fun to make. The pictures don't really do them justice but they are stripped and polka dot on one side with a cute animal print on one and numbers amd letters on the other. I also found some receiving blankets that had a sports theme on them, so of couse, I had to buy those too. I will end up with 12 burp cloths so I will have some to put away for future showers. I guess I better buy some girly ones too just in case I am invited to a baby girl shower someday....

The next Rembrandt aka Jackson Patrick

2011-01-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that Jack is already winning art contests and he is only in the first grade? I am so amazed at the artistic talent my family has. He was so excited when he called me to tell me the news that he was in the top 3 winners in the Reflections Art Contest at his school. He will be going on to the the next round and I have no doubt that he will go far. He is an awesome kid and such a sweet boy and his talent is only beginning.

CONGRATULATIONS JACK! Grammy is so proud of you!!!

(This painting is of everyone in his first grade class)

Random Stuff

2011-01-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

I love a bargain so today when I went to Target on my lunch hour I was thrilled to see that the Christmas stuff had been marked down to 90%!! There was only one aisle left and the stuff was pretty picked over, but I managed to get $31 worth for $2.79. Now that is a steal!! I got some good deals at Rite Aid the other day too at 75% off. Now I am all set for next Christmas... I also found a cute green cardigan sweater for $12.00 and a few baby items that were on clearance.

There is also a clearance sale going on at this store so I am heading over there tomorrow to see if I can get something for my newest grandson who will be arriving in June. Never can pass up a chance to get a good deal on baby stuff! I have a 40% off coupon too so I should be able to find some cute stuff to outfit him for next winter. I wonder if he will be in 6 months - 9 months or 12 months. His Daddy was a pretty big baby so I am thinking he might be too.

I am getting a facial tomorrow morning. I would love to do that regularly but they are a little pricey so when I found out I could get one for 1/2 price during the month of January I booked myself an appointment. I am ready for a little pampering!

Just booked a flight today. Looks like I am off to Las Vegas again. Megan is having surgery on her hand so I get to go take care of her and see my favorite little boys! I didn't plan on going back so soon, but I will use any chance I can get to spend time with my grandsons.

New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

2011-01-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-12-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

People Celebrate New Year's in many different ways...

LIKE THIS

OR THIS

And then there's me - How exciting am I????

Happy 2011 Everyone!

Christmas in Vegas

2010-12-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

This year we all gathered in Vegas for Christmas. There were 11 of us and I had a great time with my kids, grandkids, in-laws and Shauna's boyfriend, Jasey. (We missed Quinn this year) It is always special to me to have all of my family together for Christmas. Next year we will be adding one more member to our family,Baby Boy Lewis arriving in June! The family is growing and I couldn't be happier. Thank you Megan and Justin for letting all of us invade your home! I know it's not always easy but it is worth it to all be together!!!

Erin, Jordan & Kristine - Christmas Eve Dinner

Jasey, Shauna, Megan & Justin enjoying our delicious meal of tri tip, twice baked potatoes, green bean casserole, carrots and rolls

Kids table on Christmas Eve!

Dance Party with the Kinect for X Box that Erin gave the Patrick's. So much fun!!

Boys playing with the air hockey game Lincoln got from Santa

Santa came to visit on Christmas Eve. Jack was in shock, Lincoln was afraid and Coleman was not quite sure what to think. Lincoln said he was just a man dressed up and Jack said he wasn't real because he was driving a car!!

Jack and Lincoln decorating sugar cookies. We all joined in. They were delicious.

Me after opening the package to see if Jordan & Kristine were having a boy or girl. It was definitley a blue outfit so we are adding boy #4 to the family!

Erin in the kitchen cleaning or cooking. As always she is busy keeping us all fed and happy.

Jack & Lincoln on Christmas morning with the DS Jack got from Santa.

Uncle Jordan resting with the boys after a wrestling match.

Christmas 2010 was a huge success. Bring on 2011 and see what next Christmas will bring for the Lewis and Patrick families!!

12 Days of Christmas - The End

2010-12-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

I completed the Twelve Days of Christmas and really enjoyed doing it for a very special couple in my ward that live near me. The only bummer was that on about the 6th day someone else who called themselves the "Christmas Elves" put something on their porch too, and it went on for about 4 more days! Oh well... at least they know they are loved. Unfortunately, I threw away the paper that had the little says for the last three days & I can't remember what they said so I will leave that part out.

Day 10: On the Tenth Day of Christmas my Good Friend Gave to me Ten Bags of Popcorn.....

Day 11: On the Eleventh Day of Christmas My Good Friend Gave to me Eleven Pretty Red Apples....

Day 12: On the Twelth Day of Christmas My Good Friend Gave to me 12 Christmas Songs....

12 Days of Christmas Continued....

2010-12-13T22:29:00.000-08:00

Day 7: On the Seventh Day of Christmas my Good Friend Gave to me Seven Scones to make my breakfast yummy.

Day 8: On the Eighth Day of Christmas my Good Friend Gave to me Eight Gift Tags so my gifts go under the right tree.

Day 9: On the Ninth Day of Christmas my Good Friend Gave to me Nine Pretzels Sweet for a delicious Christmas treat.

(The quality of these pictures really stinks - the scones were raspberry, the tags came out much cuter than they look and the pretzel rods were dipped in peanut butter and chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate)

Twelve Days of Christmas

2010-12-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

I decided it would be fun to do the 12 Days of Christmas for a neighbor and friend of mine. I remember the excitement that my kids always had when we chose a family to do this for. If you want to do this for one of your friends here you go.

So here are the first 6 days:

Day1: On the First Day of Christmas my good friend gave to me One wreath to make my door pretty.
(I put more ornaments on the wreath & some berries & fixed the bow so it changed a bit & the finished product looks much better!)

Day 2: On the Second Day of Christmas my good friend gave to me Two bottles of sparkling bubbly (I used flavored sparking water from Target because they were out of sparkling cider)

Day 3: On the Third Day of Christmas my good friend gave to me Three ornaments to put on my tree.

Day 4: On the Fourth Day of Christmas my good friend gave to me Four Cups of Cocoa to warm up my tummy.

Day 5: On the Fifth Day of Christmas my good friend gave to me Five Pretty Bows so my gifts will be lovely.

6th Day: On the Sixth Day of Christmas my good friend gave to me Six Cookies because I deserve something sweet.

To be continued......