Bringing Up Burns

My So Called Life Sunday

2012-01-29T09:08:00.001-08:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sore Thumb

2012-01-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder why dogs have icky, dirty teeth?

And don't wear jeans?

Well, I've figured it out.

It's because they don't have opposable thumbs.

And when you can't use your thumb - brushing your teeth and buttoning your jeans is pretty much out of the question.

I know this because two weeks ago I hurt my thumb chasing after Duke.

He was trying to steal our neighbor's jeans.

And his toothbrush.

No he wasn't.
Honestly, I can't really explain how it happened, because it is all a painful blur. I just know our 112lb dog got out and went snooping down the street. I found him in Grumpy Old Man Neighbor's garage. As I tried to corner him and grab his collar - he thought it was a game and bolted around me - and I jammed my hand into Old Man Neighbor's work table instead of Duke. I also scraped up my face and my other arm on Old Man Neighbor's work bench and fell flat back on his garage floor. It would have been comical if I had caught this on tape. Maybe even profitable, and for sure Super Stardom Status earning, as AFV is very popular in this house.

At the time, however, it was not comical. I stood up nauseous from the pain. I'm a fainter...and so for a split second I thought about sitting back down. But then I remembered I was in Grumpy Old Man Neighbor's garage. And I had just made quite a ruckus. I decided to wobble my way home rather than risk being found out. I looked at Duke and decided, at that point he could run away to Timbukto for all I cared and angrily told him as much. He promptly stuck his tail between his legs and followed me home.

Back at the house, I realized I had really hurt my right thumb. It was already swelling and turning colors. I winced every time I touched it...but I could bend it, so I figured it wasn't broken. Just jammed up really bad. Maybe sprained. Queen Procrastinator here, popped some Advil and told myself it would be all better in a few days...I just had to tough it out.

Well, two weeks of many Advil and glasses of wine before bed later, I still couldn't really do anything with my thumb without wincing. And I'm right handed! So it was not only painful, but getting really annoying. By the end of the day, the pain would ache all the way up my arm. So, I finally made an appointment to have it x-rayed last Monday. The x-rays showed that not only had I broken my thumb, but I had torn the ligament away from the bone. When that happened, the ligament took tiny pieces of the broken bone with it. AWESOME. My doctor referred me to an Orthopedic Surgeon and told me to call him ASAP.

Wait.

Surgery?

'Cause I hit my hand on Old Man Neighbor's work table?

Chasing after our dopey dog?

This can't be right.

I walked into my appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon yesterday, fully expecting him to roll his eyes at me. Fully expecting him to tell me that I just needed to splint it for a few days. Fully expecting him to say "This is no big deal." After all, I'd been walking around for two weeks acting like this was NBD. It couldn't possibly need surgery.

Well....the Dr did roll his eyes at me a bit. But not because it was no big deal. More because he thought it was a VBD! Seems that since I had decided to limp along for two weeks with a broken thumb, scar tissue was starting to form around the broken pieces of bone and misaligned joint. If left like this, I was going to be be prone to more injuries, and the joint would forever wear with the bones rubbing against each other - which would equal constant pain and misuse which would lead to early arthritis. He recommended surgery immediately. Like....as in the very next day.

And I repeat.

Surgery?

Cause I hit my hand on Old Man Neighbor's work table?

Chasing after our dopey dog?

This can't be right.

Oh, it's right!

And it's happening today.

And we're not talking a minor procedure here.

We're talking can't eat or drink all day, get knocked out, have pins drilled into my bones, wear a cast for FIVE WEEKS, do physical therapy kind of surgery.

So the moral of the story is folks...

Take your dog to the dentist.

And don't live next to Grumpy Old Man Neighbors.

Who have dangerous workbenches.

And when you hurt yourself...don't be a Queen Procrastinator.

Get thy self to a doctor!

I never realized how much you use your thumb until I couldn't.

Jean buttons and toothbrushes top the list.

But opening sting cheese packets or bags of Goldfish is pretty damn near impossible as well.

Holding a blow dryer? Nope - not happening.

Writing anything? Hurts too much to grip the pen.

Typing anything? Either it takes forever...

orijustrefusetousethespacebarandyoucanreadblogpostslikethisforthenextfiveweeks.

I'm thinking this might be a fun time to let the girls blog for me.

They LOVE any excuse to type on the computer right now.

So I think I'm going to dictate and they can type.

Or maybe I'll just let have free reign.

Let them tell it like it really is around here.

Stay tuned!

Surgery is at 3:30 today.

I woke with a nervous stomach.

Not because of the surgery. Not because of being put under.

But because I knew I wasn't going to be able to drink any Diet Coke after 6AM.

Late afternoon surgery is not a good idea when you're caffeine addicted.

Just sayin.

I made a middle of the night run to Shirley's for "breakfast" to calm my nerves.

I'm thinking I need a better story to tell for the next five weeks than:

"Rumpelstiltskin Thumb due to Dopey Dog"

It sounds way too fairytale. Even for me. I need to Grimm it up a bit! My Dr. said they call this type of injury "Skier's Thumb" in the orthopedic world. Because crashing on mountainous, black diamond moguls while holding ski poles often results in a similar injury. But everyone I know pretty much knows I haven't been to the snow. And that I SUCK at skiing. I haven't been anywhere near a black diamond slope in over 15 years. Are you a story teller? Help me come up with a good one!

Happy Year of the Dragon

2012-01-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, my parents and I took the kids to experience the celebrations for Chinese New Year. We walked all over Little Saigon (much closer than Little China for us) throwing poppers on the ground.

We visited all the outdoor markets and bought hot candied mango, fresh lemongrass, red gladiolas and pink peach blossom branches. The fabric and the produce markets were my favorite.

We visited all the curio shops and tried on paper mache masks.
Grammie even bought the girls traditional Chinese dresses.

The highlight of the afternoon was seeing the Dragon parade pass right in front of us.

Tonight we are having a Chinese New Year celebration for dinner. I'm not daring enough to serve some of the stuff we saw for sale on Sunday (raw eggs and snails still in their shells!) So we'll be having a very Americanized feast of Chinese chicken salad and egg rolls. After school, the kids and I are making these Almond Cupcakes with fortunes inside again, for dessert. I've been saving the China Little Passports just for this occasion! I've set the table with everything red and gold and Megan wrote place cards using a Chinese alphabet worksheet she got at school. We are looking forward to a fun night learning more about China, its people and their customs!

Happy Year of the Dragon!

Two Favorites Tuesday and a Menu Plan

2012-01-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

Oh boy.

Yesterday was a good day for little, old me...

And the silly things that make this silly girl giddy.

Two of my favorites came back with new happiness for me to enjoy!

One, Miss Cyrus released the new music video of her cover of Bob Dylan's Lonesome When You Go, celebrating 50 Years of Amnesty International. I love the video - the abandoned house and how everyone is by their lonesome playing their instruments. It's solemn, pensive and perfect; focusing on the music - not on Miley, not on costumes, not on dance moves. I love her voice here too. It's mournful and full of sentiment. So not Hannah Montana. And so not Untamed. I love those two versions of her, too (of course)...but this feels like what she is meant to do. I've always thought vocally she'd knock it out of the park (and finally be taken seriously as an artist) if she'd just shake the fear of her Father and Godmother's country music shadows and embrace the folk/country genre rather than the pop. To cover someone like Dylan takes some serious guts, no matter what the cause. And to do it well....well now I'm just waiting impatiently for a new album with more of THIS.

Two, Zoe Hart and Bluebell, Alabama returned to my television. In my next life, I'm moving to the South, naming my children after trees, and spending my days sipping sweet tea while I sit on my wrap around porch. Love this show. I love Rachel Bilson's spunky character, her fabulous fashion, the vintage-ness of everything and everyone else in town, and oh Lordy, I love the romantic push and pull that is the energy between Zoe, George and Wade. Can you tell from my collage below who I want Zoe to end up with? And...I do not love Lemon, but I think Jamie King plays her fabulously. So excited for the winter season. I will be sad when May sweeps is here.

Here's what will be on our table this week:

Monday - Open faced tuna melts and caesar salad
Tuesday - Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic knots
Wednesday - Chinese New Year dinner - Chinese chicken salad, egg rolls and almond cookies
Thursday - Book Club. I'm bringing herbed turkey meatballs with cranberry bbq sauce
Friday - Roasted turkey breasts, escarole and cannelinni beans, and 5 minute Artisan bread (both recipes from the Farm to Feast I went to.)

366 Photo A Day Challenge

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

I committed to taking one photo a day this year. That's 366 pictures. Whoa. I remember hearing my friend Julie grumble over this same commitment last year. But I also remember how awesome she felt when it was done! So...when I really started to think about it, I knew I would need some guidelines and inspiration to stick with it. Or all my pictures would be of food. And drinks. With an occasional psycho self portrait thrown in. So I asked my friend, April, if she'd be willing to help me come up with ideas for the next 11 months. Or 335 days. However you want to look at it, that's a lot of pictures I needed help with!

I asked April because I love her. Her spirit, her youth, her heart, her creativity, her introspection, her blog...and especially her eye for creative shots! Her photography is beautiful and fun, so I knew she'd be great at this. April was just as excited as me about the task and we got started tossing around ideas that night. What we enjoyed the most, was how many prompts could be left up to interpretation. We were excited to see what each of us were going to do with the prompt. Once we had completed a list for February - and realized all the different possible shots - we thought it would be fun to put the list out there for anyone to do! How much fun would it be to see multiple interpretations?! That lead us to create Photo366.

Want to join in the fun? You can play along just for the month of February or for the rest of 2012! You can use our list as inspiration just for yourself, or to post each day on Instagram, or blog your shots at the end of each week. Whatever you choose, we hope our "prompts" inspire you to get creative with your picture taking. We will post a new list of prompts about a week before the next month begins. You can follow us on Instagram or Twitter to be sure and get a heads up when the new prompts are posted. (@aprilmwalker and @bringingupburns on both!)

A few things we are excited to include every month, and are eager to see your interpretations of:

Each month will start with a color. February is RED. Could it be your wearing red, seeing red, hearing red, tasting red, being red, reading red, watching red, feeling red? We are excited to see!
If you play along all year, we'll work through the alphabet. February we'll take shots of the Letters A and B. Could it be Apple, Author, Anticipate, Appalling? Book, Begonia, Boiled, Between? What will you shoot?
On the 15th of every month, the prompt will always be "You on 15." Can we each interpret this self portrait 11 different ways this year? I'm gonna try!
We will try to recognize holidays and events each month with abstract prompts. February we've included ones like "Romance and Makes You Blush" for Valentine's Day, "Favorite Movie" on the day of the Oscars, and "Leap!" on the 29th. So fun, right?!

So...that's Photo366! If you decide to play along in the month of February, we'd love it if you'd blog about the challenge and link up below. That way we can come follow you and be sure to see all the pics you'll be posting. And you'll be able to find others who have committed to the challenge and see their interpretations of the prompts too! We'll post a new linky each month, so by linking up - you're only committing to one month at a time. The linky is open until Feb 29th, so whenever you post, be sure and come back and link up as April and I are most excited about seeing your pictures. Above of all, have fun with it!

My So Called Life Sunday

2012-01-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

Breakfast at Grammie & Papa's this morning. Papa is famous for his Mickey cakes!

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InstaFriday : Photo366 week 3

2012-01-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

Week 3

14-20 : 366

Jan14 - Something I'm Reading

On The Road by Jack Kerouac

Jan15 - Happiness

This was my place card at my Tyler Florence Supper Club last weekend. These girls are definitely my happiness. And my "family."

Jan16 - Morning

Looking like this cause i had been up since 3AM with a sick Munchie! But let's be honest. This is me. Crazy. Especially in the morning!

Jan17 - Water

Wyatt said to me, "Mom, can I have a sleepover party? I already set up the snacks!" So my kid. Forever planning the next fun event.

Jan18 - Something I Bought

A weekly planner and the rainbow. I have about 400 meetings between now and May 5th, so I might as well prettify the chaos!

Jan19 - Sweet

Lemon Cheesecake bars. My two favorite flavors.

Jan20 - Someone I Love
My Kate. My sister and best friend. Today is her 30th birthday...she's officially on The Datk Side now!

In honor of Kate's birthday, i picked the kids up early from scholl and we're headed to a matinee. And tonight we're making cheddar caramel popcorn! If you're ever in ChiTown, you must get yourself some Garrett's. Even tho you might have to stand in a line around the block. Try the Chicago Mix. It's crazy good. And I will be drinking a Happy Birthday-tini! Cause...even tho she's 1744 miles away, we still have to celebrate! And, she'd want me to. (hello...slightly obsessed with both those blogs. One for the food. One for the drinks. Both for the FAB photography!)

Party Rockers about to Blow

2012-01-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

Seems I've been influencing my children...again.

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

Would you do me a favor?
If you have kids under the age of...living under your roof...will you please go READ THIS?
Carry on, warriors. Carpe the Kairos.
(Thanks Cara, for pointing me to this. Best thing I read all week!)

Chalkboard Inspiration

2012-01-18T08:29:00.000-08:00

Linking up with Julie's Wordless Wednesday today

Menu Plan Monday (on Tuesday!)

2012-01-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

We've implemented a few changes around the house since the New Year.

One - Wyatt clears the table and the girls do the dishes each night after dinner now. They are still young enough, and the "chore" new enough, that this is FUN for them. My OCD self has a hard time not butting in and telling them a better way to get the job done. But I will admit, it's super nice to leave the the table to get a couple other things done, or even just go to my room and read for a bit, and return to find the kitchen looking like this!!

Two - we (all) are bad about wasting electricity. Matt has started paying the kids a quarter each night, before dinner, he walks through the house and finds all the lights off. It's amazing how quickly good habits are formed when money is involved. I'm thinking we should have started with nickels.

Three - Matt has requested that he be the one to make dinner two nights a week. When it's not football season he likes helping out as much as he can, and he really does like to cook. So, really now...who am I to tell him No? Monday nights and one weekend night are now Matt's responsibility.

Yee Haw! Mateo cooking dinner and the girls doing the dishes? I could get used to this. Teaching Munchie all about whites, colors and darks ASAP.

Here's what will be on our table this week:

Monday - Tuna noodle casserole with garlic bread

Tuesday - Greek chicken with onions, tomatoes, tzatsiki and flat bread

Wednesday - Patty melts and fruit salad

Thursday - White chicken enchiladas with Spanish rice and pinto beans (making dinner for friends)

Friday - Crispy honey chicken with steamed rice and green beans

Truth.

2012-01-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

My So Called Life Sunday

2012-01-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

They are slightly obsessed. And I'm slightly annoyed. The things are so tiny.The girls first got a few as party favors. The classmate was like a little Squinkie dealer who gave them away for free to get everyone instantly hooked. Now all the kids have them, trade them, barter with them. And there are Zinkies too. Heard of them? Miniature Squinkies. Like that is necessary. But I don't really have a led to stand on because I used to collect troll dolls. Uh huh.

Hello, I Love You : Blue

2012-01-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Considering Blue Ivy Carter was born last week...I think Heather is controlling the Twitter trends AND the celebrity baby naming trends with her "Hello, I Love You" prompt this week! I told you that girl is genius.

This is me, Blue.

sweatsuits and scarves

pasta and wine

headphones and emo music

baking something

crafting anything

reading emo books

I usually feel most blue on rainy days...

two sure fire ways to snap out of it?

running

and kissing.

I think if emo were to have a color, it would be blue, right?
Linking up with The She Genius. (Hello, her Instagram idea is fab.)

InstaFriday : Photo366 week 2

2012-01-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

Week 2

7-13 : 366

Jan7 - Favorite

Lazy Saturday mornings.

When Mateo returns from surfing to wake me with

warm donuts, cold Diet Coke and salty kisses.

Jan8 - My Sky

It might be winter.

But you wouldn't know it from the weather.

Palm trees and blue skies in the Newps.

Pretty much year round.

Jan9 - Daily Routine

How this Coach's Wife makes it thru the week.

Zone Defense, Magic Minimums and my Top Six.

Jan10 - Childhood

Naps = Childhood, no?

I still want one everyday.

I'm kinda a sleep Nazi.

I even make the girls take naps on occasion.

Sleep is good. So good.

Jan11 - Where I Sleep

(but not where I nap...if and when I sneak one in, it's with Munch)

Dwell Studio bedding. Found at the Goodwill.

Still in original bag with original price tags.

Was $99. I paid $19.

Winning!

Jan12 - Close Up

Super Sparkly Bling from Rent The Runway.

For this Saturday's Supper Club.

I can't wait.

Jan13 - In My Bag

THIS used to be me.
I won a PRIZE for how gross and huge my purse was.

But lately I've turned over a new leaf in the bag department.

A redbox to be returned, my favorite lipgloss, HOBO wallet (this is my 3rd one. I will never own another,) pen, zipper pouch to hold receipts and gift cards, check book and my true love, and an accordian calendar with pics from our Christmas card photo shoot.

Resolutions

2012-01-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

It's a Leap Year.

And I turn 36 in March, eegawds!

Out of all these...November scares me the most.

Which is exactly why I must do it.

Do you have any new goals this year?

Cocktail Dresses and Tyler Florence

2012-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

Supper Club is this weekend. Courtney is hosting and she's picked a really fun theme for her night. Given the facts that it's the start of a new year and the seven of us require zip of an excuse to put on a cocktail dress...Courtney has deemed this Saturday night "New Years Eve Part Deux." (I'm pretty sure most of us rang in 2012 in sweats with our kids...so this is sooooo apropos.) Her requirements are two fold: (1) Make something inspired by the fabulous Tyler Florence and (2) Come super sparkly.

Hello?
Super Sparkly?
That's like, my Wednesday (in my fantasies.)
So you can imagine I've been having some fun anticipating this event.
And yes...it's an event.

It's my turn to bring an appetizer...so I will be making THIS.

Artichoke Fritters with Meyer Lemon Salt.
Every word in the description is pure Heaven, no?

Artichoke.
FRITTERS.
Meyer Lemon.
SALT.

Once I came upon it, it was a no brainer.

Moving onto the super sparkly requirement...
I will be wearing THIS.

Thanks to Rent The Runway.
What's Rent The Runway?...oh just an awesome little place that allows normal people like you and me to attend a party in Badgley Mischka. Or Prada. Or Zac Posen.
For pennies.

Okay, well...not really pennies.
But certainly NOT the thousands that Nordies charges.
My favorite part?
You get to select your event type:
"Date"
"Formal"
"Party"
"Wedding"
"Vacation"
and then select your date of event and size...
and a slew of appropriate dresses pop up at your fingertips.

It's kinda like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory for the fashionably obsessed.
Or the fashionably challenged, really.
It works for everyone.
Check it out.
And find a reason to be Super Sparkly ASAP.
Perhaps Wednesday is a good excuse?

10 on 10

2012-01-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

10 pictures on the 10th day of the month. My friend, Melissa, is a rockstar at 10 on 10. I read her posts each month and think, "I gotta do that...it's so fun! and real! and in the moment!" So today is the day. AND....I'm gonna try live blogging. Ever done it? Heard of it? My firend, Love, does it and I always enjoy her posts so much. Thanks to Blogpress on my iPhone, it's actually kinda easy (Apple pretty much makes everything easy, IMO.) So here we go....
10 on 10

Rise and shine. Mateo left for a surf competition at 5:30 this morning. Ever since, me & Munch have been snuggling and watching Pink Panther. Now it's time to rally. Moves Like Jagger always gets him outta bed! Bring in the dairy delivery, pour the girls their favorite cereal, and touch base with my Time Suck for a few minutes before I have to ignore it til midday. That's me right now...Be back in a bit!

Girls are off to school. Wyatt doesn't go today. Just found out my daycare kids are taking a sick day, so it's just me & Munch! We might have to meet Daddy for lunch....right now I'm eating breakfast. Eggs scrambled with turkey and green onions. As well as working on my Top Six and some new Chalkboard Inspiration! See ya...

So...had some fun queuing up Tumblr posts for the day. Packages for the post office are packed. And my one Diet Coke for the day already consumed...mighta jumped the gun on that one! Mateo texted to say they won! Beat our across the bay rivals. And yes, that's who you think it is as my screen saver. Not my kids. Not my husband. Nope. KStew to the rescue. Now I'm waiting on a certain someone to finish his business so we can run some errands! This is me...right now.

So...did you know it's a federal offense to take pictures inside a post office? Yeah. Me neither. Got a nice reprimand from the guy at the window. Me, right now? Erin Burns : Fugitive. Munch was munchable and helpful as ever, so he got to buy a Yoda card. Jenni - don't faint! Your yellow chevron fabulousness is finally in the mail! And ick. My nails need help. That might have to happen during naptime today...

Right now...we are at Daddy's classroom eating lunch. Burger King at Wyatt's request. I love that we live across the street and can crash Matt's 30 minute break any given weekday. I also love that we live across the street so all of his bug collections and live reptiles can live in his classroom year round (they used to "Summer" at Casa Burns...eeewww.) But I love most that Matt loves his job and his students love him. The classroom is presently full of kids who chose to come in and eat lunch with him. Mostly his surf kids...but some others too. Did you have a high school teacher you wanted to spend your lunch break with? I didn't.

Right now...there is a quiet house, two full bellies, and one tired boy and Momma! Laying down with Munch in his room for a bit. He's usually out cold for a couple hours. Girls carpool home from school today, and I'm done with my AM minimums and Top Six! So its time for some me time = this month's book club pick. About halfway through and it's a trip. Discussion should be good!

Full house right now. Girls are working on homework at the dining room table while I'm on the computer creating an invite. Mateo is lost in Panem as well. I asked him if Katniss and Peeta had been "sent back in" yet and he almost ripped my head off. I guess he wasn't quite to that part yet. Whoops! Was able to capture my #JanPhotoADay shot as Munch slept. Childhood = Naps.

Three little birds sat on my window...and I killed them all with one stone. Right now dinner is marinating, TV is off and reading time is happening early since I have a meeting tonight and I'm remedying my nail polish ickiness. Oh yes, and I'm live blogging. Four birds. Multi-tasking at its finest.

Right now...I'm at a GSG Board of Directors meeting. Love these women and their hearts! We have a loooong agenda tonight. Thank goodness for some Chardonnay. Kristen and I are sharing some fun Gala updates as well as a sneak peek of last Saturday's photo shoot with our CHOC kids. This is my 3rd of 4 Gala planning meetings this week alone. Lots of hours going into this event...but it's worth it.

Home again, home again. One Republic in my ears. Tomorrow's blog post at my fingertips. A plan of attack for my day ahead already in place. This has been fun! But right now...I'm kissin' y'all goodnight and finding Mateo for some snuggles. Sweet Dreams. That is 10 on 10.

Menu Plan Monday - 316

2012-01-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

I can't post today without commenting on the Bronco game. All week long, all anyone could talk about was how the kid can't pass. That his confidence was shaken. I must of heard 900 different commentaries on Sports Center about "Tebow's Troubles." Then, yesterday, he shows up and not only did the kid PASS, but he threw for over 300 yards with no picks and ran for a touchdown. Only other QBs to do that in the postseason, Super Bowl era are Joe Montana and Aaron Rogers. To top it off, the Broncos won in overtime due to his touchdown PASS and Tebow PASSED for 316 yards with 10 completions. Wait...did you get that?

THREE SIXTEEN

That's all I've got to say about that. Other than, if you get the chance, read his book. His upbringing (home schooled by Christian missionary parents,) his faith, his desire to be judged so that he can set an example, and his work ethic in order to earn the platform he has...it's all awesome. Whether or not you like the Broncos, or even football for that matter, I think you'll find you like Tim Tebow. For now...I'm gonna enjoy this win for a few more days before I start worrying about Saturday and Mr. Bundchen.

Moving on....
Early December I went to a "Farm to Feast" with some of my girlfriends. Our hostess, Kim - a European trained chef and food lover turned stay at home mom - entertained, taught and fed us for over two hours in her home with local, fresh, organic, seasonal ingredients. It was a relaxing lunch, with some of my BFFs, that inspired me in so many ways.

For one, I've started drinking hot tea all because Kim served THIS with fresh fruit and nuts as we first arrived and she started cooking. Two, I don't abhor fennel anymore. Kim served it roasted with butternut squash and a little salt and pepper. It tastes totally different roasted - comforting and a tad sweet. Three, the Burns family has started having Board Dinners.

What are Board Dinners? Well...basically it's a bunch of yumminess served up on a wooden board and everyone gets to take what they want. Kim told us she makes Board Dinners about once a week for her family using whatever is in the fridge. There might just be one bite of somethings...and an abundance of others. But the choices are always simple and snack worthy, fresh and fun!

What I loved most about the concept of Board Dinners was that Kim uses these nights to introduce a seasonal food to her kids that they might not normally eat. Like the roasted fennel (heck...I wasn't even sure I wanted to eat it!) or fresh persimmons (another thing I thought I didn't like. Try one with a little fresh squeezed lemon juice and sea salt...oh yes.)

When it's on the board, and the kids can take as little or as much as they like, the "something new" doesn't seem so intimidating. According to Kim - her kids are now avid fans of all sorts of funky, seasonal, farm fresh stuff. And I believe her. Cause now I like fennel and persimmons.

So, like I said. We do Board Dinners now. Usually on Family Friday nights. And it's really been fun. I started off kinda simple, easy...nothing more exotic than marinated artichoke hearts. Albeit the popcorn was the most popular...the entire concept was a huge success! Perhaps because we let the kids slide the "kid table" over in front of the TV and watch Captain America during dinner...but that's what Family Friday nights are all about, right? Kim had awesome, individual cedar board planks for each family member...which I've totally added to my wish list. But for now...I just pull our wooden cutting board out of of the wall and served everything up on it!

Here's what will be on our table this week:

Monday - Build your own pizzas with TJ's whole wheat crust (kids request!) and green salad

Tuesday - Honey citrus soy salmon with steamed rice and green beans

Wednesday - Turkey taco salad and quesadillas

Thursday - Baked dijon chicken, cauliflower mashed potatoes and caesar salad

Friday - Board Dinner - try it! Let me know how it goes. I think you'll love it!

My So Called Life Sunday

2012-01-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

Wyatt is slightly stoked on his new Spiderman jammies from Uncle Charlie!

(not exactly scripture, but I love it just the same!)

SOURCE

Hello, I Love You : Potholders

2012-01-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

So somehow, somewhere...it happened that my family got in their collective heads that I collect potholders.

I SO DIDN'T.

I think it started when my mom brought one home to me after a trip she took.

Then it kinda became a family joke.

I can always count on a potholder in my stocking or on my birthday.

And after several years of this...

I STILL DON'T.

Collect potholders.

But Hello, Potholders.

If I had some awesome, vintage, crocheted, loverly ones like these...
I would so love you!

Or some scrappy, happy colorful ones like these, I would so love you!

Um, Hello ric rac. You know I love you!

And Hello, Owl potholder! If only I could find a Flamingo one.

Then I would start COLLECTING for sure!

So, my dear family...since you wont give up this silly notion.
Here are some hints.

Cute, scrappy, handmade. And inside jokes.

Potholders in those categories will be gladly collected.

Thanks to Heather for the Hello, I Love You! inspiration.
Jump on over to her blog and play along!

InstaFriday : Photo366

2012-01-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

I think I said I was going to use Mondays as my Photo366 wrap up each week...but I changed my mind. I'm a fickle girl, so I can totally do that, right? Since I'm using Instagram to take the 366...I figure why not use Fridays to re-cap? And link up with Jeanette too! Two Birds. So here I go. Week One 1-6:366

First - the photo prompts.
I came across this on InstaGram. I think from Nest of Posies...but I have no idea where it originated. It's been fun to have a prompt each day. If I'm going to stick with this...I think I am going to have to come up with prompts for the next 11 months!

Jan1 - Me

In a (FAB) jersey I stole from my daughter.

This boy needs to play his heart out Sunday.

Please.

Jan2 - Breakfast

PW's cinnamon rolls and the Rose Parade at Grammie & Papa's house.

I let the kids play hookey and we enjoyed the last lazy day of vacation!

Jan3 - Adore

This picture that sits on my desk of Mateo from when we were in high school.

Also adore my new iPhone case. A Christmas gift from my Momma.

Jan4 - Letterbox

It's pretty Plain Jane.

Jan5 - Something I Wore

Wayfarers and Bed Head.

This shot is day 3 of not washing or brushing my hair.

(My mom will gag when she reads that.)

But my hair behaves better when it's dirty.

Jan6 - Makes Me Smile

When my oldest is awarded for her hard work and helpful spirit!

MJ was recognized at Flag Deck on Friday and I was beaming.

(so was she!)

Pintertesting: Glitter Heels

2012-01-05T10:33:00.001-08:00

I've had these glitter heels for awhile. And as far as I'm concerned, a girl can never have too much glitter! So when I saw these pins start popping up on Pinterest, I knew I had to try and recreate. Originally, I was just going to go monochromatic. Blush glitter on bottom to match the top. But my glitter-tastic friend, Heather, suggested I do a different color.

"Oh, yes!" I said. "Black, maybe?"

"No," said Heather. "I'm thinking NAVY."

Hello...she's a genius.

So off to Michael's I did go to get myself some Martha Stewart glitter in Navy. Or as Martha likes to call it: Azurite. It just so happened to be the busiest day of December EVER in Michael's that day. I think I spent more time in line trying to pay for 1.5 ounces of Azurite, than I did glittering up the pair of shoes! But I digress. About 30 minutes and 2 coats of Modge Podge and glitter later...I took the heels outside and gave the bottoms a good coat of clear acrylic sealer. I've worn them 4 times and they still look great! Pinterest FTW.

Chalkboard Inspiration

2012-01-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

Linking up with Angry Julie's Wordless Wednesday

Menu Plan Monday (or whatever!)

2012-01-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

I've been an cleaning/organizing fool today. Powered by EmergenC, my sippy and Miss Cyrus! We're talking emptying out hall cupboards and rearranging furniture....feels so good. Also inspired by the "clean slate" that January brings, I guess. And that today is trash day. Bye bye clutter! A few other fresh starts happening around here are:

#1 - Clean eating and regular exercising. Vegas (aka GARTH!) for my birthday is in a little more than 2 months. Kauai in a little more than 3. And the Gala (and loads of printed press!) in a little more than 4. Operation Healthy, Strong, and Kick Ass Hot in a bikini/dress began today with gusto.

#2 - I started the 365 Photo A Day challenge and downloaded the My 365 app on my iPhone to keep track of them all. (Leave it to me to commit to doing this during a Leap Year. 366 is for overachievers.) For January, I'm playing along with Nest of Posies using Instagram. Come February...I'm not sure what will strike my picture taking fancy...but I'm inspired to stick with it. Mateo and I were talking last night that it would be fun to have all 366 5X5 pics printed as a book. I plan to use Mondays to post my 7 snapshots from the previous week.

#3 - Menu Planning. I slacked a bit in December with all the festivities and family events going on. But menu planning helps the clean eating - as well as the pocketbook and the waistline. So it's back to the regimen.

Here's what will be on our table this week:

Tuesday - Ham steak, roasted cauliflower and green salad

Wednesday - Balsamic pork tenderloin with roasted butternut squash & fennel

Thursday - Teriyaki meatballs, steamed rice and broccoli

Friday - Baked chicken with (these rad!) individual scallop potatoes and caesar salad

Twenty Twelve

2012-01-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas Card Shoot & Outtakes

2011-12-21T11:53:00.000-08:00

My friend, Britain took the kids pictures for our Christmas card this year. It was the day before Thanksgiving and we had been hustling and bustling around that morning getting everyone "camera ready." Plus getting the house and food ready to host turkey dinner the next day. On our way to the shoot I promised them all Happy Meals and McFlurries if they would just be good sports, put up with all the "poses" Mommy wanted, and SMILE. All things considered, I think they did pretty well! Munch wasn't too inspired to take pics when we first started. But after a few shots that included his T-Rex...he was good to go!

This is the 3rd time we've recreated the shot below.

I can't wait to keep adding to this collection over the years!

2011

2009

(picture taken by Tonya Joy)

2008

(picture taken by Tonya Joy)

The individual shots Britain got of the kids are so special.

I think she captured their personalities as well as their beauty.

Funnily enough - the pictures I ended up using for our card weren't the ones with all the staging I had created. The wagon, the wreath, the burlap bunting.

This is one of my favorites of the girls. After this pic, Mateo and I have decided we need to get MollyB an agent!

We had some fun with fake snow. The results of which made the back of our card. But here are a few individual close ups that I adore.

I am over the moon happy with how all these turned out. Britain has a true talent and I am so thankful to her for making time for us on her Thanksgiving break and for capturing the loves of my life with such care. If you are in Arizona and need your pictures taken, you MUST contact Britain Earl! She is a joy to be around and has a way of bringing out the best in her subjects. You can find her on Facebook too. And now...the end result. Our Christmas Card!

Front

Back

I used Picnik.com to create them and had them printed by Overnightprints.com. I was thrilled with the quality, look, feel and PRICE! I would highly recommend both sites to anyone.

I love Christmas cards. We fill our plate glass window in the dining room with them every year. At dinner we talk about the friends and family whose cards came that day and say a prayer for them. They are always the last of the "decorations" I take down. When everything else gets packed up on the 26th...I leave the cards up til after the New Year. So if you send us one...we really do love and appreciate it!

Menu Plan Monday (on Tuesday)

2011-12-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I am still on a high from the funding of another well. So amazed and thrilled at Project 320's success, year after year. It is a testament to HIS power and YOUR hearts. And a lesson in FAITH for me.

The last of our Christmas cards went in the mail yesterday. Tomorrow I'll share some of the outtakes from the photo shoot. Even the ones we didn't use were pretty cute! Britain has a true talent.

And...this week marks the end of our Christmas parties & programs. Adult ones, school ones, kids ones, friend ones, church ones, boat ones. Just family time lies ahead, which I am really excited about. The last few days before Christmas are my favorite. It can get a little crazy, of course. But usually the days are filled with gift wrapping, yummy cookies, Christmas music, a fire in the fire place, movie marathons, sleeping in, cards of family and friends filling the mailbox. I love it.

(me before one of our fancy Christmas parties. All I want for Christmas is a hair wand. I borrowed a friends to try out this night! I had no fingerprints left after I was done styling...but I was obsessed with the waves! Compared to THIS POST, I clean up pretty well, right?!

Here's what will be on our table this week:

Monday - Italian crock pot chicken over rice with broccoli and french baguette

Tuesday - Potato leek soup with cheesy tomato bread

Wednesday - Pizza and caesar salad - "Christmas" with friends + kids gift exchange!

Thursday - Chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and fruit salad

Friday - Herbed spaghetti squash with a spinach & strawberry salad

Saturday - reservations at the Yacht Club with Grandma & Grandpa + late night church (my favorite)

Sunday - Huevos Rancheros and PW's Cinnamon rolls!!

If you live on our street...you'll be getting hot cinnamon rolls Christmas morning. Cause we don't need all 7 pans! (And I'm too nervous to half the recipe.) Now my mission for the rest of this week is to get ALL the wrapping done before the 24th. This way I can go to bed at a reasonable hour Christmas Eve and wake happily to get those cinnamon rolls in the oven. Not wake like the Grinch! Here I go...

Roasted Ranchero Sauce

2011-12-19T23:50:00.000-08:00

Huevos Rancheros is a Gregg family (my maiden name) tradional meal. We eat it every Christmas morning. It's something we ALL look forward to! I used to tease that it was how my Mom kept us all coming home for the holidays. Since we moved into this house, however, we have hosted Christmas morning (more room!) which means I make the Huevos. Last year I decided to try an recreate the roasted tomato Ranchero sauce we used to make at the restaurant. Here's the recipe I came up with. (And the sauce turned out better than ever...if I do say so myself!)

Roasted Ranchero Sauce

1 onion, peeled and quartered
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
3 jalapenos (I leave the seeds in, but take them out if you don't want your sauce too SPICY!)
10 tomatoes, cut in half
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp kosher salt
1/2 Tbsp ground oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin

Put onion, garlic, jalapenos and tomatoes in a large glass baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
Season with kosher salt.

Roast in a 400 degree oven for about and hour.

Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
Transfer roasted ingredients to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.

Add oregano and ground cumin and pulse again.
Season with more salt to taste.

Use it for Huevos Rancheros or to top grilled chicken or fish.
(I've also been known to add it to our Breakfast Burritos...yum!)
ENJOY!

A FOURTH Fully Funded Clean Water Well: my heart overflows.

2011-12-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

That's right friends, we did it!

Project 320's goal of $5000 was reached just a short bit ago.

A fourth clean water well is fully funded.

I am in awe of HIS power.

I am in awe of YOUR hearts.

To each and every one of you who:

prayed, donated items to a bundle,

donated dollars to the campaign, spread the word...

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for allowing

this dream to be realized once again!

Just 7 days ago, the 6 of us were nervous

that we wouldn't make it this time.

We all felt overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of the season

and more than a little disorganized when it came to launching

another Christmas campaign by the seat of our pants.

But who are we to worry, hesitate, second guess, or doubt?

HE is at work.

Even when we don't see it, expect it, or feel it..

And HIS power is mighty.

It is with this FAITH we launched last Monday morning.

And here we are, less than one week later...

$5000 raised.

500 lives changed.

People often ask me why I blog.

What is it about Twitter, FB, Instagram, Path that I like so much?

Am I really "friends" with all these people? Isn't it all a waste of time?

Well...today is a huge piece of my answer.

$5000 was raised in under a week by you "friends"

rocking Social Media for GOOD.

(and it's the fourth time you've done it.)

That's why. And I lovely lovely love each and every one of you!

Cheers!

Go drink some clean water.

Give Water. Win Stuff. Happy Day.

2011-12-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to build another well together?

It's exciting to watch the donations come in and know that all over, people are choosing WATER.

Such an easy way to make a life changing difference.

Think of how just $10 can give one person water for ten years.

Then think of how you can donate.

Give up your coffee, your bagel, your manicure...

Forgo a gift or two and give water instead.

We even have a pretty printable on our Facebook page to assist you in just that!!

So...here is how it works:

Each $10 donation made on Project 320's campaign page is good for one entry into one giveaway.

{you can enter my giveaway, or any of the giveaways that are linked up below}

To enter, just leave a comment on the giveaway post you want to win.

If you donate $20, leave 2 separate comments. $30 = 3 separate comments, etc.

You'll have until Sunday, December 18 at 9pm (pacific time) to enter.

I am giving away a bundle of my Favorite Things.

Rags To Stitches Boutique e-reader snuggie

31 Bits necklace

Angel Face Designs earrings

Mommy Holly gift tags

These really are some of my favorite things. I have given 2 snuggies as gifts (thinking I must gift myself one soon!) They are as soft and well made as they are colorful and useful. And anyone who knows me - has seen me don 31 Bits more often than not, has probably been given a gift with a Mommy Holly tag on it, and knows I live in my rainbow of AFD rosette earrings. (My girls do too! That's Megan in the picture above.) I promise you'll love these things too!

Want an even bigger incentive to buy water?

Julie has offered up some "extra treats" for those of you moved to go the extra mile!

With a $30 donation you will give three people clean water.

Plus two giftable, happy, lovely and joyful, 8x10 printables.

As well as three entries to the prize bundle or bundles of your choice.

With a $60 donation, you will give six people clean water.
The happy printables.

Plus a versatile Days Until countdown sign (shipping included).

As well as six entries to the prize bundle or bundles of your choice.

With a $120 donation, you will give one dozen people clean water.
The happy printables.

Plus a rainbow set of ten Pretty.Messy. flower pins. Ten for you? Or ten gifts...

As well as twelve entries to the prize bundle or bundles of your choice.

Be sure and visit all the wonderful, beautiful people hosting giveaways benefiting Project 320!
Visit each giveaway by clicking the thumbnails below.
After you have donated, send a screenshot or forward your Charity Water receipt to

project320blog {at} gmail dot com.

Thanks for your heart to help.To share what you have to save and change lives!!
.

Radically Effected

2011-12-13T09:03:00.001-08:00

Ever meet someone who radically effects the way you live your life?

My friend Julie is one of those people to me.

Julie's heart is crazy big and beautiful.

Ever since we've been friends, each and every inch of her makes me smile.

And want to be a better person.

Do good.

See beauty.

Make memories.

Serve people.

Live the {small} moments.

She's funny, a bit of an insomniac, knows how to use power tools, and hates clowns but loves Star Wars. She puts cupcakes in mason jars and covers everything with chalkboard paint, burlap, starfish and rainbows. I mean, who wouldn't want to be more like Julie?

Jump over to her blog today to check out some fabulous EXTRAS you will receive when you buy water this week. Julie was the original heart behind Project 320 three Christmases ago. Thanks to her friendship and vision - so many (you, me,WE) have been able to be a part of something that is JOY + HOPE wrapped up in water. GOOD to the core. (aka Julie to the core.) So many have been radically effected.

If you keep reading...which you will cause her blog and kids and house are too adorbs not to get sucked in...you'll probably stumble on certain cookie recipe I'm up to my eyeballs in today.

Making 5 dozen of these for tonight's 5th Annual Cookie Exchange.
(okay, really I only need 4 dozen, but calculating for a few to somehow disappear in the process!)

Now go.
Meet Julie.
Buy some water.
Make some cookies.
Radically effect the people you can...every day...with GOOD.

3800 Munchies

2011-12-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Water.

Do you ever stop to think about it?

I went grocery shopping this weekend.

I spent money on little water bottles for the kids lunch boxes.

I spent money on big water bottles for me.

I spend money every week for gallons of Sierra water to be delivered,

FRESH

SPARKLING

CLEAN and

COLD

to my doorstep.

Delivered.

To my doorstep.

All this, when I have fresh, sparkling, clean and cold water

FREELY FLOWING

from faucets in my kitchen, my bathrooms, my garage, my yard, my fridge door.

For Pete's sake.

I even have a special, pricey "water belt" that allows me to easily carry water when I run.

Because Heaven forbid...I should ever be far from water.

Without water.

Whoa.

Clean Water.

Easily accessible, CLEAN WATER.

I take it so for granted.

So much so, I think nothing of spending money to have it in EXCESS.

All around me. At all times.

And this is just the water I drink.

What about all the other times I use water throughout the day?

I take a shower.

I brush my teeth.

The sprinklers go off even on a rainy day.

I fill my "Adult Sippy." (a good 6 times a day!)

I water the Christmas tree.

I top off the pool.

I run the dishwasher. (twice)

I do a load of laundry. (or four)

I make ice.

I wash my hands.

I flush the toilet. (again and again)

I fill my iron.

Water + VIA packet = my 4pm sanity saved!

I rinse the salad greens.

I put a pot on to boil pasta.

3 meals a day, I tell my kids

"no juice, no soda...drink more water!"

I draw the kids a bath.

I tuck the kids into bed.

"Did you get a drink of water?! Good. Sweet Dreams."

I wash my face. (and let a good deal of water run down the drain waiting for it to warm)

Water...Water...Water....

Want to know something that will break your heart?

Today, almost 4300 people will DIE due to unsafe water.
3800 of these people will be children.
Under five years old.
3800 Munchies will DIE TODAY because they don't have clean water.

I can't even type that without breaking into tears.
Because each and every ONE
of those 3800
is somebody's Munchie.

I worry today about trees and toys and tinsel.
Cards and cookies and carols.
And somewhere...moms just like me, are worrying whether their Munchie will live or die.
Because of contaminated water.
It's just not right.

When I think about my family - our health, our home, our safety...
I have no worries.
I am so blessed.
I need nothing.

But those moms need me.
Those moms need US.
Let's do what we can to end their worry.
Let's do what we can to save their Munchies.

485 BILLION is spent on Christmas each year.
When just 10 billion could END the world water crisis.
Think of what could happen....

Project 320 is one of my passions, one of my true loves.
Visit the blog for giveaways benefiting Charity:Water all week.
And come back here to see the giveaway I will be hosting later today.
I hope you feel moved to join our efforts!

Keep Calm and Break Dawn

2011-11-29T17:35:00.000-08:00

So here it is...the post you have all been DYING FOR, right?

My Breaking Dawn Pre-Premiere Party and Movie recap post.

Bite me now!

Frist, I was so excited to have Denise here. Afterall, we first met thanks to blogging and a Twilight Swap! I couldn't have pulled the party all together that day without her. I picked her up at the airport at 8am on Thursday...and we worked and chit-chatted ALL DAY until party time. I also had my normal full house of daycare kids that day. And my sister and her husband in town, who stopped by for lunch. So Denise got a good feel for the chaotic crazy that is ME most days!

By the time 5:30 rolled around, Denise and I had checked everything off my list! My mom, sister and ever patient husband helped out a lot too. It was a team effort. I'm not really sure how to best post all the details, so I'm just gonna start with the invite and go from there. I made the invite using some Google images and Picnik.com. I kinda love how I played with one of my favorite quotes from the first book.

Front

Back

That night, the house was taken over with everything black, red and sparkly. I set the tables with red table cloths topped with black & white damask runners. Flower arrangements were red roses in silver buckets with glittery foliage. There were candles everywhere - tall tapers, red & black votives, and even a bloody one in an urn outside by the drinks! (Easily made with a white candle from the $1 store and some red sealing wax!) I also incorporated chess pieces (destash found on Etsy and spray painted), apples and feathers where ever I could. I bought several yards of 35mm film (it was actually Eclipse, also found on Etsy) and draped it around the tables. For the food and drink, I went with an Italian theme. Bella and Edward's first date was at an Italian restaurant...the Volturi are from Italy...Bella flew to Italy to rescue Edward...so, it seemed like a good idea! I served Minestrone soup and caprese skewers for dinner. The wine was from Montepulciano. This is the town where New Moon was filmed. So technically - it really was Volterra wine! I made an Italian looking wine label with the Volturi crest on it to put on the wine bottles. I also had "Vampire's Dream" shots served in syringes just to be totally over the top. The water bottle labels are free printables from HWTM. For dessert I made Port Wine & Chocolate Cherry cupcakes.

(notice my son's stray Star Wars coloring page on the table!)

(this is what I like to call the Twilight pose. Julie and I are kind of fond of shooting sweets this way!)

And what is a party without some fun and games, right? We played "Name That Vampire" and "Twilight Trivia." For Name That Vampire, I made numbered pictures of 20 different Vampires, mounted them on some glittery paper, and hung them in my big plate glass window with twine and glittered clothes pins. I made up an answer sheet complete with Bella & Edward pics and quotes. And found the blood syringe pens at Oriental Trading on super sale after Halloween! Twilight Trivia was a Power Point I projected onto our Tree Screen in the front yard (a huge screen and LCD machine my teacher husband brings home from his classroom and hangs from our large tree!) Winners of both games received prizes of NOX Twilight nail polish, Red Rose Statement Angel Face Designs earrings in a cute tin I made, and a Golden Onion, of course. I got a little obsessed with metallic spray paint this party!

AND - you can't have a party without party favors, right?! I made Swag Bags for everyone filled with some fun stuff! The bags were black canvas that I labeled with "Keep Calm and Break Dawn" on the outside. Inside, guests found a 35mm film strip bookmark (I just cut the film into 10 frame pieces and laminated,) gummy fangs, a fang ring, a bag of candy blood (type V for Vegetarian prescribed by Dr. Carlisle Cullen, of course) feathers, a CD I made with songs from all 4 movie soundtracks (printed the CD sleeves on red card stock and then sewed up the sides with black thread. LOVED how they turned out!) Apple mittens, and a handwritten card thanking everyone for indulging me in my crazy!

The mittens were my favorite part. I found the black mittens in the $1 bin at Michael's about a month before the party. I knew we would be standing out in the cold waiting for the movie to start at midnight, so I bought them up! I wasn't sure how I would make them "Twilight" themed however. First I thought of stitching a Queen chess piece to the outside or adding a black and white checkered ruffle to the cuff. But then, I thought of adding the felted apple to the inside. When everyone put on their mittens and did the "Twilight pose," I must admit I squealed with delight!! It's so fun when a vision you have comes to life and is exactly what you wanted. Huge THANKS to my mom, who helped me hand cut and blanket stitch 30 apples!!

Finally it was time to leave for the movie! I had packaged Werewolf Kibble and Vampire Bites for everyone to take with them. (Mommy Holly made the tags special for me!) I tied glow in the dark fangs to the Vampire Bites. The bites were pretzel squares topped with white chocolate circles, then I piped little red blood "bite marks" onto each white circle. They were cute! I also threw in some licorice. And...I embellished some popcorn boxes too...cause when I get going, it's really hard for me to stop.

THE ONE AND ONLY PICTURE I have of people that night.
Rachel, my SIL Adrie, Denise and Me waiting in line with our coffees!

So...my movie review in 20 words or less? (Yeah, right.) The midnight showing is always such a crazy energy. Plus I was a wee bit exhausted and amped from the day's events. I really enjoyed the movie, but it wasn't my favorite of the four so far. I loved the first half. The wedding was gorgeous. Her wedding dress - cuh-raaaazy gorgeous!! The toasts at the wedding were one of my favorite parts. I love Charlie and Jessica. Both actors play those parts spot on. The honeymoon was cute. Liked that they kept it fun and playful - didn't try to be over the top sexy. Loved where she's stressing about her "first time" and brushes her teeth, shaves her legs, splashes water on her face, sits down and freaks out a bit....Also loved the part where she's wearing all the lingerie Alice packs to try and get him to jump her bones and he's trying his best not to. Once Edward and Bella leave Isle Esme...the movie started to get to me. SHE GETS SO SKINNY....and at the time, I didn't know it was done with CGI. I spent a good portion of the second half of the movie freaking out over Bella's body. I know KStew tends to "live" her rolls and I was gonna be pissed if she starved herself that thin. Or if anybody let her starve herself that thin! Then my sister leaned over and told me it was done with computers and I relaxed. My girl crush was saved! The birth/death scene was pretty intense and gross. And when she drinks the blood...eeeeew! I liked how the movie follows the book so closely, but DID NOT like how it ends so abruptly. In the book, you can just turn the page and move past this deep, dark, bleak time in the story. But lucky us! We get to wait an ENTIRE YEAR to see the conclusion on the big screen. It felt weird, heavy, depressing- for the movie to build up and then end where it did. But there really isn't a better place to break it into two...and that's the $$ making machine of Hollywood. I guess they know what they are doing since in the 12 days since it's release, Part 1 has grossed 500 million world wide. Apparently I'm not the only one riding this crazy train! ;-)

Final two things about the day that I loved??

My tshirt. I found it on a blog about a week before the premiere and Olivia was kind enough to ship it right out! I wore it all day and it was fun to see the people around town, at school drop offs, the gas station - who recognized it and knew what it meant!

And...this text I received from Mateo EARLY Thursday morning. He was at a surf competition and I was just waking up. It made me smile from ear to ear. I promise to love this boy forever. Every single day of forever!

Ahhhh....I think I can put this obsession of mine to rest now. At least for another 340-something days! Besides...I've already started obsessing on another movie. One of my other favorite YA Adult series. Want proof? See my Pinboard HERE. Be sure and mark your calendars for March 23rd 12:01am!

If there is anything about the Breaking Dawn party details you have questions about and I didn't link...please ask! I'd love to share. Lots of party details were first brainstormed on my BD Pinboard...so check that out too! Thank you to everyone who came to the party, helped me plan and execute it, and waved as I blew past on the Crazy Train. You all made this night that much MORE fun for me!

Finally - all the rad, crystal clear, awesome pics in the post were taken and edited by my fabulous friend and fellow Twi-Hard, Julie. I still love her even tho she is Team Jacob, and I can't thank her enough for capturing all the details the night of the party so I could play hostess. All the random, blurry Instagram pics are mine.. Duh. Keep Calm and Break Dawn! Til Part 2 Peeps.

An Abundant Menu Plan Monday

2011-11-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving weekend was so full!

I woke Thursday morning to a sneak peek of Wednesday's photo shoot with Britain Earl Photography. It's impossible for me to put into words what these three are to me. I am more than blessed, and SO THANKFUL to be able to say "these are my children." MY CHILDREN. My biggest dream, come true. (And pretty stinkin' cute, too!)

Movie Popcorn AND Turkey & Stuffing on the same day? Why, yes please!
It's a family tradition to see a movie on Thanksgiving day.
The Muppets was adorable!

This was the Chalkboard Inspiration in our dining room for Turkey Dinner.

I love everything about it.

Our dinner table. It was just our 5 and Grammie & Papa this year.

Small, but so nice. LOTS of leftovers!! We cooked 3 turkeys.

After dinner, Megan and Molly put on a play for us. It went a little like this:

"We are sisters. We are from England. We are going on the Mayflower because we want to be able to pray the way we want."

At the end of the night Molly brought me a "check" for $209.

She said it was for making a yummy dinner and apple pie.

Too cute.

I hope your holiday weekend was as abundant. We spent the rest of it regrouping. Friday we stayed in our jammies ALL DAY! Over the weekend we did some shopping (bought a new fridge!), some cleaning, and LOTS of organizing. Getting ready to Deck the Halls. I can't believe it's already that time.Fa La La La La La!
This week we jump right into Christmas celebrations. Matt and I have a couple adult parties coming up - looking forward to getting dressed up and festive with friends and my love!
This week on our table you will find:
Monday - Lemon Pepper Chicken PastaTuesday - Autumn Chopped Salad and buttermilk biscuitsWednesday - Southwest chicken wraps and cilantro ceasar saladThursday - Make your own Pizzas (TJ's pizza dough is the best!)Friday - Broccoli Cheese Soup
Happy Monday!

Pinterest for the WIN!

2011-11-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

This morning, the kids had a photo shoot with my friend, Britain Earl.

I'm crossing my fingers a Christmas card picture is somewhere in the lot.

It was a last minute thing.

Literally.

Booked it yesterday.

(Britain and I went to high school together. She lives in AZ now and is a photographer. She came home for Thanksgiving and was offering "mini sessions" in Orange Circle today for hometown friends and family. I was excited to see her and to have her "shoot" my kids!)

Anyhow...Once Britain and I had connected and confirmed time and place, I had about 16 hours to throw something together.

And we all know, I can't just put the kids in plaid shirts and call it a day.

(This is when my love of Pinterest is both a blessing and a curse!)

Because in my mind, and on my pinboard,

I had envisioned props, poses, accessories.

How many of them could I possible bring to life in 16 hours?

You'd be surprised.

With a little late night crafting and some awesome, last minute luck at H&M...

This morning's shoot turned out just about as perfect as if I had spent 6 months on it.

(Which I have been known to do!)

So next time you see me pinning a Christmas card idea in July,

Or a cute holiday headband in May,

(Or Hunger Games party ideas in November)

THERE IS A POINT to it all!

It really does help me "pull it all together" in a flash and on a budget.

Here's a few of the Pinterest WINS from yesterday.

I pinned this headband about 2 months ago.

I knew whenever it came time to take our family pics again, I wanted one of the girls to wear something like it.

Last night I did my best to recreate it...with materials I had on hand.

An old tshirt, some felt, and some beads.

It turned out cute! MollyB wore it this morning and looked FAB.

It also inspired me to embellish the fedora Megan wore.

In the Summer I saw a bunch of pins on how to tip dye your own hair.

I knew, at some point, the girls would LOVE to do this, and so I repinned.

Last night, I clicked that pin, went to Michaels for the pastels

(pack of 24 for only $4.49 after a 40% off coupon!)

plugged in the curling iron and hoped for the best.

It was EASY and looked adorable!

Needless to say, MollyB's curls don't hurt the cuteness factor.

We are obsessed with this and will definitely be doing it again!

(if you try this, be sure and buy the OIL pastels, not the chalk kind. They are like waxy, brick crayons. AND...the wax got all over the palm of my hand, but came off easily with eye makeup remover)

Finally, I pinned this shot almost 7 months ago.

I loved the wagon. The carefree smile on the kid's face in the wagon. The backs of the kids pulling the wagon.

Anyhow...I knew whenever we took pics again...

I wanted a WAGON!

And so, a wagon I got.

Mateo graciously dug it out from behind our house this morning and scrubbed it clean of leaves and rainy day muck.

I added some Christmas cheer...and again, Pinterest for the win!

You may remember a while back I posted about Less Pinning and More Doing.

Well...I'm not sure I am pinning any less.

But I am definitely doing more.

And that makes me happy!!

What have you been pinnning/doing lately?

Linking up with Jess today.
Cause 3 PinterTests in one post = it's okay I'm 3 weeks late!

Playing Catch Up

2011-11-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! WOW! Last week was the busiest week ever! Jam packed with FUN, of course. But still a little chaotic. So much so, I never blogged. But that's okay, right? I spent the first part of the week running crazy between Shady Canyon, CA (where the Gala will take place) and Forks, WA (if you don't know, I wont trouble you.) Figuratively speaking of course. I wasn't really in Shady Canyon or Forks. But creatively, I was! Energy wise, I was! And oh boy, celebration wise, I WAS!! This is an Instagram pic I posted last Monday of the crazy that was my kitchen table getting ready for all the fun ahead.

If you ran across me anytime in the past week,
I probably looked a little like this.

Cause Tuesday, my co-chair and I passed out "sneak peek treats" to every member in the Guild to get them excited for the Gala. We have a little more than 5 months to raise the money to pay for an event we hope raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for CHOC Children's. Committee sign ups happened that night, and we wanted everyone pumped to hit the ground running and get to work! Kristen and I also had two other meetings last week with vendors discussing entertainment, food, flowers and a few other fun surprise elements! It's gonna be a lot of work, but I am so excited to see it all come together.

And if you ran across me anytime in the past week,
I probably looked a lot like this.

Cause I'd pretty much been waiting for last Thursday for an entire year! My Breaking Dawn Pre-Premiere party was a blast. For one, my sister and Denise came to town! And for two, the movie...Well, I'll save that for another post. Cause I'm still processing. I will say, my girl crush on KStew intensified when she walked the "black carpet" in a beaded gown and Converse. LOVE.

Um....Denise was here for 2 days - and we NEVER TOOK A PICTURE TOGETHER!! Whaaaaat? Cause we're lame like that. Actually - I just ran her ragged party prepping. And she never missed a beat or complained once. And she slept in Muchie's bed. (The one that still has a bed rail on it.) So I pretty much owe her a huge thank you and more. We had so much fun together, and it wouldn't have been the same without her here. She even endured dinner with my crazy family on Friday night and a playoff football game!! I love her. So much.

The weekend wrapped up with Gregg Family Dinner celebrating the next time we'll all be together again in paradise! We feasted on Kauai inspired food and drinks and got a little rowdy playing Left, Right, Center! Dolla Bills make us crazy. It's a tradition.

(my Daddy and modelicious sister)

(MollyB playing mix master with Uncle Charlie)

(the gang!)

Oh yeah. And somewhere in the middle of all that, I attended 3 Parent/Teacher conferences, my washing machine overflowed into my carpeted garage....and we had to replace the front bathroom toilet. Craziest week ever. Murphy's. Law.

I'm happy to report that all traces of Vampires and Werewolves have left Casa Burns...at least for the next 359 days. Full BD re-cap post coming soon! My friend, Julie, was gracious enough to take all the pics that night with her rad camera and professional skills...I can't wait to see them!

For now, I'm turning my attention to Turkeys and Pies and Potatoes.
5 days of vacation with nothing to do and no where to be.
THANKFUL!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

2011-11-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

I promised I would blog all the "flavored" cheesecakes I made for the coaches this season. And I will...starting today with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, for Kristen! Sadly, this one was eaten up before I snapped a pic of the finished product. But I promise, it was a hit!! Most every cheesecake I make, is an adaptation of my basic recipe. I usually just change up the crust and add some yummy extras to the filling, and it always turns out great! So here we go:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

serves 8-10

Ingredients

Crust

1/4 cup sugar

6 TBS butter, melted

Chocolate Chip Cookies, like Famous Amos or Chips Ahoy

(the amount of cookies you need will vary depending on size of cookies you use. I used mini Famous Amos ones and I needed about 30 to get the right amount of crumbs for the crust. You're gonna want to end up with about 4 cups of crumbs. Also, if you want to be crazy, and use homemade chocolate chip cookies for the crust, just be sure to bake them extra crispy so that you can grind them up!)

Filling

2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 package of refrigerated Chocolate Chip cookie dough, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Topping

1 pint sour cream

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grind cookies into crumbs in the Cuisinart with the metal blade.

Add the sugar and blend together.

Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture comes together. It will be slightly crumbly. Press mixture into the bottom and half way up the sides of a spring form pan.

Bake for 5 minutes.

While your crust is in the oven, wash the Cuisinart bowl and blade and reassemble.

Blend the 2 pkgs of cream cheese

Add the sugar 1/4 cup at a time, pulsing between each addition.

Add the eggs, one at a time, pulsing between each addition.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Add vanilla and blend until well combined.

Place half of the cookie dough cubes on the crust.

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips around cookie dough.

Slowly pour filling mixture over crust, chips and cookie dough.

Press the remaining half of the cookie dough cubes into the top of the filling mixture.

Return to oven and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes.

Right before the filling is done baking, mix together the topping. I put the 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla right into the container of sour cream and stir. (No need to dirty another bowl!)

When the filling is done baking it will dome a little at the top and will NOT jiggle in the middle when you move the pan around.

Remove it from the oven and immediately (and gently!) top with sour cream mixture.

Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

Let the whole thing cool on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes before removing the outer ring of the spring form pan. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving. (But I think it comes out best if you can chill it overnight!)

ENJOY!

So Proud Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Linking up with Angry Julie

AND....the kids and I have been loving the Happy Day Project so far this week! It's been 3 days of love, lessons, laughter, and time spent together doing good. It's not too late to join in! The more sunshine the better!

Menu Plan {HAPPY!} Monday

2011-11-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I'm feeling a bit like a chicken with my head cut off today. Mondays are always a bit like this for me...but today has already been a doosey. I'm still hopeful to get it all done.

Here is what will be on our table this week:

Monday - Grilled steaks, green beans and baked potatoes

Tuesday - Cilanto lime crock pot chicken tacos with black beans

Wednesday - Crock pot beer braised beef with steamed rice and balsamic broccolette

Thursday - White chicken chili and green chile cornbread - Last League Football Game!! (NH is in the playoffs...but if we win tonight, we could be tied for League Champs!)

Friday - Mateo's Birthday!! No set plans other than 48 hours of just the two of us. I CAN'T WAIT!!

The plan is to make this Coconut Lime cheesecake for Friday's game. But I am going to add a layer of key lime curd between the crust and cream cheese filling!

The Hardest Step Challenge update

So...I've stopped keeping track of my miles. I will still total them all up on the 11th, but I'm not tracking them everyday. I wont hit 111, like I planned, but I've been running regularly, and have even gone on a few five milers in the past 2 weeks. I've also committed to running the Surf City Half Marathon on February 5th with some girlfriends. So I feel like I am back to my "running self" and I love that!! Since I started this challenge, I've lost 16LBS. Which is awesome. And very motivating in itself. I am also loving the "Daily Mojo" I've created for myself over on Tumblr. It really helps me to keep this one new picture or mantra in my head each day. It makes my commitment seem fresh and do-able - FOR THAT DAY - and that's exactly what will get me where I want to be. A bunch of days added up! Some of you have graciously shared with me, that my openness about this challenge in my life has inspired/motivated you to get back on track and once again take that "hardest step" as well. I can't even tell you HOW AWESOME that makes me feel! And how motivating it is to know that you are out there "choosing what it best" each day too. So thank you for sharing with me. It means more than you know!

Finally - all week the kids and I will be participating in the

Happy Day Project.

It is an amazing thing, started by two of my friends, both of whom have hearts of gold. There is a new project complete with a cute printable each day! HERE'S today's. Check it out and spread some SUNSHINE with us!! As far as this Cali girl is concerned, you can never have too much Sunshine. I'll be posting a couple re-cap posts of our family and how we participate in the projects later this week!

Happy Monday!

InstaFriday: Shameless Edition

2011-11-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

So last night my friend, Julie, texted to let me know her post today was going to be about me. Sorta. Once I read it...I knew what my Insta-Friday post had to be about. No matter how embarrassing the pics might be!

Yes. I'm planning a Breaking Dawn Pre-Premiere party. It is well documented that I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to party planning. It is also well documented that I love Twilight. Put the two together and it was bound to get a bit crazy. But even I wasn't ready for HOW crazy...This is how it all began. With an invitation I designed myself. If you've read the books - the quote on the front should sound somewhat familiar!

Then I saw these cute book page wrapped pencils on Etsy and decided to try some out myself. That gave me the idea of creating "Swag Bags" of Twilight awesomeness for my guests. These will be in them.

Then I ordered a stash of random chess pieces from a novelty seller on Etsy. Because...of course I will use these somehow and needed them desperately.

About this time I didn't feel too lost in my crazy. Having fun, for sure! But there was still plenty of crazy I could get into. So, I contacted my favorite, FAB, handmade papergoods making friend Holly, and asked her to come up with some cute tags to tie on the sweet treats I'm packaging for everyone to take to the movies. She hit it out of the park! Love these!

And then I downloaded all the free Twilight fonts onto my computer.

And designed an Italian looking Volturi wine label to cover all the bottles at the party.

Yep. I think it was about this time I texted Julie that I was #drowninginthedeependofmycrazy!! But I kinda knew I was headed in this direction, so I might as well embrace it, right? I think yes. So this week I have:

Made a Power Point Twilight Trivia game that will play on the Tree Screen the night of the party!

And ordered 10 yards of 35mm Twilight film that I am turning into bookmarks. (More swag!)

Yes. I am crazy. But it's all in good fun. And think of all the crazy still left for me to get into with 2 weeks left until the party/movie!? Want to know what I'm doing with these felt apples (that my fab mother cut out for me)...well you're just gonna have to wait and see!

Thanks for the inspiration, Julie! You are a true friend to support my crazy. Mad love for you. And sparkly vampires!

Linking up with Jeannett. I'm sure this post will warm her heart. Vampires have to be somewhere on the scale close to Dolphins!!

SCARY!

2011-10-31T09:38:00.000-07:00

What's scary is that I've left costume sewing until TODAY!! Yes, with everything else going on...and because I function best doing only the very next thing, today I am up to my eyeballs in feathers and scales and glittery broomsticks. And a ticking clock. One Mermaid and one Green Witch coming right up! Preferably by 4:30pm. Thank goodness Spiderman was borrowed from down the street.

We carved our pumpkins last night. Wyatt has been asking (multiple times a day) for two weeks to carve his pumpkin. So when the spoons and knives and pokers and scoopers finally made their appearance, he declared "This is the best day of my life!" We all had a good laugh.

Now I am off to sew, sew, sew.

I wish I had some Bippity Boppity Boo up my sleeve.

Hope everyone has a very Happy Halloween!

If you are here looking for Menu Plan Monday...it will return next week! We have about 9 million plans and events on the Burns Family calendar this week. And I'm ready for only 1 million of them. So we will be eating whatever I can conjure up. I'm not too worried about it. We can subsist on candy for 1 week, right? At least the kids will be happy. They weren't too impressed with my creamy mushroom and kale polenta last week!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Choosing What Is Best

2011-10-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

I am a very visual learner.
I am also kinda a word nerd.
I love things to be pretty.
and I love things to rhyme, alliterate...pack a succinct punch.

{source}

It's one of the reasons I love my chalkboard so much.
And Pinterest.

As I've been on this journey the past few weeks of getting fit (again) and making healthy choices,
I've found I need a daily mantra to keep me on track.
It helps to wake, find that pretty picture or awesome quote, and "pin" it in my brain for the rest of the day.
(I've posted some of these "pins" in my past Hardest Step posts)
Whenever I need that little extra "umph!"
I think of that pin, and my decision to choose what is best becomes easier.

And when it comes down to it, that is what I want.
Every moment of every day.
To choose what is best.
Right then in that one decision.

If I face my challenges - whether they be physical, emotional, social or spiritual -
one moment at a time and choose what is best
I will succeed.

It's so easy for me to get caught up in having chosen best for so long already.
This one bad choice can be a little break or a reward, right?!
I can chose to do what it best again next time.

It's also easy for me to get caught up in choosing what is best for a season.
I can be disciplined when there is an end date in sight.
Once I reach my goal, those "bad choices" wont be as bad anymore, right?!

But that is not what I want for myself.
{And I don't think it's what God wants for me either. Perhaps why he has me continually learning this lesson!}

What I want for myself, is to make choices based on today.
Not what I did yesterday.
Or how I will do it tomorrow.
But what is best, for me, right now.

To help me do this, I created a new pretty place to inspire me to continue to
Choose What Is Best.
For Me.
Daily.

Want to come see?
I hope it helps you choose what is best for you too.
Right now.

The KID In All Of Us

2011-10-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is my third year as a member of the Glass Slipper Guild and my second year on the board. It's an exciting year for us, as we completed our million dollar endowment to the Neuroscience Institute of CHOC Children's last May! That means, this year, one of the board's duties was to decide on the Guild's new pledge commitment. We've decided to pledge another one million dollars to the hospital and have Glass Slipper Guild be the name behind a 6400 square foot, post-surgery room that is part of the new construction. This room is where all children, immediately following surgery, will come to "wake-up," eat popsicles and be visited by family before being taken to their personal rooms. I am so excited for Glass Slipper to be a part of something that will benefit all the children and families at CHOC.

Having made this commitment, the Guild has a lot of work ahead of us! I am honored to be Co-Chair of this year's Gala (our biggest annual fundraiser.) Last May, the Gala was a beautiful success - both financially and socially. The event itself was breathtaking, and by the end of the night, we had raised $320,000! You can watch a short film of the fun HERE. Kristen (my co-chair) and I are hopeful the vision we have for this year's Gala will be as beautiful, fun and financially awesome.

At Wednesday night's meeting, Kristen and I revealed this year's Gala theme to the Guild. We've been working on it since June and were so excited to finally share some of the details with everyone! Here's the storyboard I created to get everyone excited and ready to WORK.

Let the (wo)man hours begin!!

Happy Place

2011-10-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

We went to Crystal Cove on Sunday after church.

It was a beautiful day and a fabulous few hours at one of my favorite places.

Grammie & Papa went too and we had lunch at the Beachcomber. Yum! While we waited for a table, we went on a treasure hunt for interesting flotsam and jetsam. Easiest hour spent waiting for a table ever!

I love all the old cottages and their weathered beauty.

Looking out away from the cottages is quite beautiful too!

Thinking our next installment of family pics should be here...or at least a Christmas card shoot!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Menu Plan Monday

2011-10-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! My theory this past week has been this: If I wear cute jewelry (earrings, necklace) and a curly, messy, on the side 'do'...then no one notices my 3 inch long black roots. AFD and 31Bits have a way of making me feel pretty, even on the worst of hair days. And that's sayin' something! (Helps when your cute color block top matches your rad couch cushions too, right?) So...I keep going back and forth. Do I wait it out? Try to naturally get hair like this? Or do I help it along...buy a box of semi-permanent chestnut and dye the top third of my head? Please discuss!

Here is what will be on our table this week:

Monday - Crock pot bbq chicken, cheesy rice and broccoli

Tuesday - Tuna casserole and green salad

Wednesday - Kale and white bean soup with buttermilk biscuits

Thursday - Chocolate chip waffles with berries and scrambled eggs

Friday - Football Game! Probably leftovers or take-out.

The plan is to make this cheesecake for Friday's game. Again, don't faint.

I am LOVING making all these new flavors!

Last week's Chocolate Raspberry was quite a hit.

(recipe coming later today)

The Hardest Step Challenge update

Oh. Whoa is me. I am so behind in mileage. According to my goal/commitment, I should be at 43.2 miles completed as of last night. I'm at 33.5 instead. I could see it as a road block. A reason to quit. A reason to remind myself that on maniac days, I often set too lofty of goals. And that leads to non-maniac days. But I wont. Instead, I am going to SEE the white pants I wore to church yesterday that didn't zip 4 weeks ago. Instead, I am going to SEE the lack of Diet Coke on my grocery receipt this week (that would be a first in about 7 years, peeps!) Instead, I am going to SEE the 3 miles I ran last Friday morning, without stopping. Without being winded. And a little bit faster than I ran them the Monday before. What I am going to SEE, from here on out, is that progress is what matters. Not perfection.

My So Called Life Sunday

2011-10-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

{what we watched in church this morning}

Memory Lane

2011-10-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Guess Who?!

We are having a lazy family night in tonight.Homemade nacho cheese sauce. Chips. Fries. Frozen Lemonade. Netflix.Happy Saturday, friends!

Chalkboard Inspiration

2011-10-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

YEP. Live it.

Pizza in a Pot

2011-10-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

My friend, Melissa, is hosting a fabulous link-up on her blog called "Crock-tober!" Blog your favorite crock pot recipes and link up. I am excited to get some new recipes to use this Fall and Winter. I L.O.V.E. my crock pot and use it at least a couple times a week. It makes dinner so easy when all you have to do is add a side dish and plate!

Here is one of my favorite, family pleasing crock pot recipes.

Throw everything but the loaf of bread and mozzarella cheese in your crock pot. Give it a stir, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. (Easy peasy. Lemon squeezy.)

When it's almost time for dinner - put your bread, cut side up on a cookie sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes or until golden. Top crisp bread with the sausage mixture (I use a slotted spoon to get it out of the crock pot, because sometimes it can be kinda soupy!) and mozzarella cheese. Broil again for another 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Cut into pieces, serve with a green salad and ENJOY!!

Jump on over to Mel's blog to link up and get some new menu planning inspiration!

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10 on 10: October 2011

2011-10-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

When I look back at the 10 pictures I took throughout the day, it's funny, because a lot of them are of food! But that's pretty much how a Monday is around here. Menu prep for the week ahead.

Started out the morning with greek vanilla yogurt, Kashi, and raspberries.

This is one of my go-to breakfasts.

Accompanied by a huge glass of Raspberry Emergen-C!

Every other Monday, I take a large bowl of fresh fruit to Molly's classroom for the kids to snack on all week. Molly is a fruit fiend, so I know most of this is probably going in her belly!

While we were at the store getting the fruit,

we discovered that Papa Don's "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" has arrived!

Before school I snapped this pic of Wyatt wearing one of my new creations.

He originally had it on one eye and said,

"Look Mom, I'm a pirate!"

I think he's the perfect model for my new shop additions, don't you?!

After getting all the kids to school,
I went home and got started on my "to-dos."

Breakfast burritos topped the list.

I make a bunch each Monday and stick them in the freezer.

Allows for Matt to easily have a home cooked (free!)
meal when he is up before the sun.

Next, I got started on my second PinterTest Kitchen project.

With these pretty, plastic, friends!

When the girls got home, it was homework time.

They do 30 minutes each day.

And it works best if we tackle it together right when they get home.

Well, after a snack, that is!

What ever happened to flash cards?

Honestly, she loves this.

It makes mastering Math facts like a game - and I'm all for that!

In the afternoon, the girls and I made Banana Oat muffins to take next door to our neighbor, Miss Edie.

Finally, all three kids were invited down the street to have dinner with our neighbors. Matt was at football, so I took the opportunity to go for a run! I even got a shower in before it was time to pick them up. Funny how simple things can be such a treat when unexpected!

Menu Plan Monday

2011-10-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Lately I've been a little obsessed with the cherry red lips that grace every page of JCrew. So I've been trying to pull it off. What do you think? This is an old one I had from Bobby Brown. But I've learned JCrew's is especially made just for them by Poppy King. And Kate Spade recently came out with this one, who's name is fab! I might have to splurge.

Here is what will be on our table this week:

Monday - Tortellini soup with grilled cheese kabobs

Tuesday - Crock pot Mexican chicken with white rice

Wednesday - Shrimp pasta with oven dried tomatoes

Thursday - Chicken Parmigiana over spaghetti squash and green salad

Friday - Home Game (leftovers or burgers at the game!)

The plan is to make a Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake this week for Friday's game. It's the start of league play! The recipe is one I've been concocting in my head. If it all works out, I'll be sure and blog it!

The Hardest Step Challenge Update

According to my goal/commitment, I should be at 28.8 miles completed as of last night. I'm at 22.4 instead. What this past week has taught me, is that running every single day is my desire...but it's not always necessarily do-able. And on the days that I can't get it done - because of volunteer commitments, sick kiddos, or just plain unexpected LIFE - I don't want to feel defeated or beat myself up. SO - while I still want to reach my goal of 111 miles by 11/11/11, I've decided to also allow walking and my cardio videos to count towards the goal. A couple mornings a week, I walk the girls to school and back. Which is 1.4 miles. And sometimes, that is all the exercise I have time for that day! But it's still getting out there and moving. So I'm gonna count it. And on the days I can't pound the pavement, there is always the treadmill and 30 Day Shred. I really struggle with running longer than 2 miles on the treadmill. It's SO.BORING!! But there is no excuse not to do a mile or two and then pop in Jillian for 30 minutes. That would satisfy my 2.4 miles per day goal in my head. So that is my plan from here on out! Awesome side effects? I've lost 4 lbs since last Sunday. Not awesome side effects? I've been breaking out like a teenager! My face is re-learning how to handle my sweaty self, I guess. My goal this week is to remember, that no matter how slow (or little) I run, it's still faster (and more) than I was doing 2 weeks ago!

(source)

Stay tuned...I hope to still get my 10 on 10 post up late today!

My So Called Life Sunday

2011-10-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

(source)

Let's be Pinteresting!

2011-10-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who "pin," I'm sure you have felt,

at one time or another,

that Pinterest was Heaven sent.

All that inspiration, motivation, and education right at your fingertips!

Neatly organized, easily accessed, beautifully cataloged.

It's easy to get caught up in the Pinterest world.

Dangerously easy.

(hello peeps, I have 46 boards.)

So easy in fact, that there are even pins about the dangers of Pinning.

All of which are downloadable, printable, and re-pinnable.

Ironic? Yep. Cleverly awesome? Yep.

These are some of my favorites.

(source)

As a bunch of us (all bloggers, bakers, crafters and pinners!) sat around Julie's dining room table a few weekends ago, this conundrum was a hot topic of conversation.

Do we love Pinterest? Yes. Can it be as intimidating as it is inspiring? Perhaps. Do we spend more time finding things to make and bake and create then we do actually making and baking and creating them? Sometimes.

What we all agreed upon was that Pinterest is the best when we actually put it to use. When we bring to life - turn the virtual into tangible - all the awesomeness we've been pinning, that is when Pinterest is more of a blessing than a curse. And that's what we all want.

In true form, Julie made an awesome printable that summarized these sentiments.

(Using fonts and tutorials she found on Pinterest, of course!)

(source)

And today, Jess launched The PinterTest Kitchen!

A once a month linky party where you actually put Pinterest to use and let us all know how it turned out!

Was that 2 ingredient muffin recipe really as tasty as it looked?

Was that clothespin card wreath as functional as it was cute?

Can you really just "dump" 4 ingredients into a pan and call it a day?

I coulda used $1 worth of school supplies to make something I spent $12 on at Pier1?

Thank you Jessica! Your PinterTest Kitchen idea is fantabulous.

I think I might even have to pin your Test Kitchen button.

Oh yes, and actually MAKE something.

My entry for this month's PinterTest was Salted Caramel Cheesecake.

Because I have an entire pin board dedicated to just cheesecakes.

Unfortunately, I will have to update this post tomorrow.

As the taste testing has to wait to commence until after the game tonight.

The baking was easy tho.

Here's hoping the eating will be as good!

PS - this is me and Jess at Blog Sugar. 2 minutes into our 48 hours together and we were loving, laughing, teasing, playing, and chatting like the long lost, catty sisters that we are. LOVE her. Her heart, her faith, her adorable girls, her church, her love for her husband, and her fiesty, funny spirit. And you will too. She's on.the.top! So Pinteresting.

Do you pin?

If yes, put that pin into production!

And then link up with Jess.

Can't wait to see what else people are doing!

Style Me Pretty: Blazers

2011-10-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy day here today. That makes me want to put on boots and coats and scarves. And blast David Gray on Pandora while I make comfort food. Being a SoCal girl, I don't really have much in the way of "coats." I don't need much in the way of coats! My token black pea coat from JCrew has sufficed for years when it's "cold" and will continue to do so. But today's got me thinking I could invest in a blazer or two. Just for some stylish "winter" fun on even those non-rainy days.

{Style Me Pretty: the ongoing quest of owning my personal style}

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven

Inspired by Laura's panel at Blog Sugar and my Fall tear sheet

bought the red jeans! been rocking the red lips!

time to buy a blazer and start rolling my skinnys.

Do you feel like you "own" your personal style? I really hadn't thought about it before Laura's panel. But after hearing her, seeing her, and visiting her blog, Ascot Friday, this past week and a half...I'm inspired & motivated to figure it out! She has an inner grace and self confidence that make her style seem effortless as well as beautiful. Love that! And um...P.S. - I'm obsessed with her hair. Perhaps another 3-4 months of ignoring my roots, and mine will be half as awesome.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-10-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Clean slate, new engery, 7 days ahead pregnant with possibility and potential. Ahhh...is it weird I kinda love Mondays? Feeling very inspired this morning by yesterday's sermon (you can get the podcast HERE.) Our pastor challenged us to live life as an "Unexpected Grace Giver" - as Jesus, thru his Salvation, gracefully pardoned us FOR something...not just FROM something. Love that! How can we be Unexpected Grace Givers this week? I've been thinking on it.

Here's what will be on our table this week:

Monday - Pizza in a pot with caesar salad
Tuesday - Teriyaki chicken with rice and broccoli
Wednesday - Pulled pork sandwiches with corn and coleslaw
Thursday - TK Burgers at the football game
Friday - Crock pot mac & cheese with ham steaks and green beans

The plan is to make this cheesecake for Thursday's game.

Don't faint.

And I thought I'd use Mondays to report on my Hardest Step challenge until I finish!

According to my goal/commitment, I should be at 14.4 miles completed as of Sunday. I took Friday off, but ran a little extra other days, which resulted in 13.3 miles completed as of last night. So I'll need to make up a mile this week! It has been great to get back to running. I finally, last night, felt like my body remembered what to do. Matt and the kids have been super supportive - even joining me on my run one afternoon. Awesome side effects? I've almost eliminated Diet Coke from my daily beverages (it honestly doesn't taste good lately) and have been making way better food choices, both in terms of what I eat and how much I eat. And...I've been sleeping better! I haven't lost any weight, but rather than get discouraged about the scale, I've decided to focus on how I feel and the fact that I've stuck to my goal - getting out there and pounding the pavement 5 out of 6 days last week. And rather than get discouraged about how out of shape and SLOW I've allowed myself to get, I've decided to focus on the fact that, even slow, I'm still trying. Giving myself some Unexpected Grace.

(source)

My So Called Life Sunday

2011-10-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

(inspired by Julie & Jeannett's talk at Blog Sugar)

A Spiderman Spree

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wyatt's 4th Birthday was full of webslinging fun!

It was his "snack & share day" at school.

I made Spiderman themed oreo pops as the treat.

And we got Happy Meals for lunch on the way home.

That night, family joined us for dinner.

Pizza, jello and a Spiderman cake were the Birthday Boy's requests.

My first attempt at a multi-colored, multi-layered cake.

It was harder than it looked.

(and took way more frosting than I anticipated!)

But I think it still turned out cute.

Perfect for making wishes.

My favorite shot from our family fun that night.

Love Love Love Love Love!

One foot in front of the other...

2011-09-27T10:51:00.001-07:00

For me, when it comes to running, the hardest step is always the first one out the front door. Once I'm out there, pounding the pavement, it's easy. Fun even. I love it! But unless I really (and I mean really) make it a priority...I don't go. There are always a few million other "things" on my list and it's so easy to put running at the bottom. Soon, a few days of slacking turns into weeks. Weeks turn into months. And here I am 15 months post half marathon and the thought of running 13.1 miles sends me into a cold sweat.

The thing is, I'm okay if I never run 13.1 miles again. But I'm not okay with the weight gain, the poor eating choices, and the lethargy vs. insomnia that always accompanies my lack of exercise. I'm not okay with always putting my needs at the bottom of my list.

And I need to run. I feel better - emotionally, physically, mentally - when I do. I make better choices - about how I eat, how late I stay up, how I spend my time - when I do.

So this morning at 5:30, I got reacquainted with some old friends. My running shoes. Of course I was tired when the alarm went off. Of course a half dozen excuses clouded my brain as I put my feet on the floor. "It's too dark, it's too cold, just press snooze once..." but I ignored them and went anyway. And it was glorious. Only 2.37 miles. But that's 2.37 more miles than I've run in a long time!

So I've made myself a commitment. I'm going to run 111 miles by 11/11/11. That works out to be 2.4 miles a day for the next 46 days. I'm excited to get back into the regular routine of running - and all that comes with it. My hope is, that after 46 days, I'll be back in the habit of running. And this time, I'm going to work hard at keeping it!

What is your "hardest step?" Do you have a need that too often finds itself at the bottom of your list? Let me know. I'd love to encourage you as you take it. As you find a way to get it done.

Because it feels so good when we do, right?!

(source)

Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a fun filled weekend with some wonderful women and attended Blog Sugar last night. It was an inspiring and fulfilling few days, to say the least! I returned home, at 2am this morning, to discover a clean house, folded laundry and a dozen red roses.

Mateo gets bonus points.

He's on the top.

Of my list.

Later this week, I hope to share a little bit of the joy - the women, the lessons, the fun - I was blessed to experience! But for now, all I've got is a menu plan.

Monday - Wyatt's Back To School night: Shepherd's pie and buttermilk biscuits

Tuesday - Honey citrus soy salmon, coconut rice and green beans

Wednesday - Crock pot chicken tetrazzini and green salad

Thursday - Pork tenderloin, mashed red potatoes and succotash

Friday - Away football game tonight. We'll eat on the road. One recipe for Lemon cheesecake with shortbread cookie crust coming up!

My So Called Life Sunday

2011-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Memory Lane

2011-09-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

For today's Memory Lane I wanted to go back to the day we brought Duke home. He is both the biggest joy and the biggest ache these days. I mean, don't I already clean up enough POOP?! I can't even make my own run a priority, let alone the dog's. Who's idea was it to get a dog anyway? Oh yes, MINE.

Duke truly is a member of our family. And as much as he makes me crazy...He is the most fiercely loyal thing ever. I don't think I could live without him. He makes me feel safe when Mateo is gone. I know, without a doubt, he'd take off your head if you step foot on our property and I don't want you here. I also know, without a doubt, his happiest moments are playing with the kids. Bonus? He's saved me from buying more than a few $80 Dinosaur Encyclopedias from a door to door salesman! (Seriously look how tiny he is! 1/3rd the size of a 3 year old Megan!)

New Family Additon

originally blogged December 12, 2006

We have a new addition to our family! A four legged one that is. For Christmas I got Matt a black Labrador puppy. We picked him up today and Matt named him "Duke." As long as I have known him, Matt has wanted a black lab.When Matt was a boy, he had a black lab named Frodo that was taken away because, after being provoked, the dog snipped at a girl down the street. Matt says he can still vividly remember the day and how sad he was. So, finally Matt has his redemption. Duke is SO cute and already the girls are in love with him. He chases them around the house and wrestles with them on the ground. I was a little worried about getting the girls to leave him alone long enough so that he could get some sleep. But right in the middle of all the noise and commotion - Duke just laid down on the carpet in the living room and passed out. Coming from a litter of 7 pups, I guess he's used to sleeping when and where he can get it! This being his first night away from home however....we'll see how long it lasts.

_______________________________________________________

That was one cute puppy!
Here we are almost 5 years later...and he's still pretty cute.
Even if he is the BIGGEST 112 pound baby in the house!

Four My Munch

2011-09-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

To Wyatt on your Fourth Birthday,

You and me, we have a special thing.
It probably gets you off the hook more times than is beneficial to your character.
Your sisters and Daddy probably want to roll their eyes at it.
But that's the way it is.
That's what we have.

Munch, are you really FOUR?!
Didn't you just fit right inside me?
I remember laying on my bed about a week after you were born and physically feeling SAD that there would never be another baby inside me.
Ahem...one second later I laughed out loud, because I was miserable those last few weeks you were inside me.
Hot, fat and miserable!

Because that is what motherhood does to you.

Somehow a chubby, blue eyed - cries all night you have to sleep with him on your chest in the Bjorn just to get him to be quiet- kid, shows up.
And he takes a hold of your heart.
And you forget all about heat waves.
And 65lbs of weight gain.
And not being able to pick up my little ponies from the floor.

As a matter of fact...your whole world gets turned upside down.
You used to think you'd be just fine with nothing but princesses and pink and my little ponies.

Because that is what motherhood does to you.
Somehow a wild, loud - innately knows how to make car crash and bomb explosion noises with his mouth - kid, shows up.
And the glitter and the pink begin to mellow.
And you learn to assemble train tracks and lego cities.
An jedi and saber and wookie and lightspeed join your vocabulary.

As a matter of fact...lightspeed is exactly how fast it all goes.
From the minute that BOY is set in your arms, to the minute he's FOUR and already a little man.
No matter how hard you try to stop, slow, savor...
You surrender.

Because, that is what motherhood does to you.
Years fly by with the speed of light.
And there is nothing you can do.
But Enjoy!

Wyatt, my Munch...
No matter how many years old you are,
No matter how fast they may speed by,
You are my LIGHT.
I will always be in awe of you.
In love with you.
And SO thankful for all that you have given me.

Because that is what motherhood does to you.
I am so blessed to call you mine.

Happiest of Birthdays my boy.
Here's to Four More years.
Of bumps and bruises, bashes and buzzes.
I love you.
Kissimos!

Some of my all time favorite Muchie posts:
ONE - he may paint his toenails BUT...
TWO - for reals, the kids kills me.
THREE - making his Daddy proud.

and for Kate & Laura & Jodi and Grammie...and all my other Obama lovers,
FOUR and FIVE!

Open Book: Unbroken

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

{Open Book: my thoughts on recent reads}

Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand

Both my parents are avid readers. When it comes time to give them a gift - a book is always at the top of the list. Along with anything for the garden, anything to do with sailing or the beach, or anything to do with cooking or the kitchen. (Proof that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!) SO...I originally bought Unbroken for my Dad for Father's Day.

I had gone to buy my book club pick and serendipitously came upon Unbroken at the bookstore. Normally, I read my books on my iPad, but it was coming up on Summer...and I wanted a real book. One I could read by the pool, by the slip n' slide, at the beach without worrying. As I walked the aisles, I had in the back of my mind, that I wanted something more than grand-kid art and black licorice for my Dad's gift. (My dad lives for black licorice. It makes me want to die.) When I saw Unbroken, I knew I had found a good fit for my Dad - the Veteran, the reader, the most faithful man I know. Bonus it was written by a great story teller. Other than those first few selling points, I didn't give the book much thought.

Then 2 months later, Unbroken was chosen by my book club for August. I asked my Dad for the book back. He gladly brought it to me. And a week later, sent me a sweet card in the mail with a "treasure hunt" of his favorite quotes and points in the book. It made me all that much more excited to open the pages.

I didn't really know what to expect. Other than 400+ pages of World War II. But what I discovered was so much more than war. Unbroken is about war. But at its core, Unbroken is really about the human spirit. There were times in the book I wasn't sure if the story being told was embellished. But after I finished it, those times seemed to matter less. The truth is, a man (two men) survived at sea for an unimaginable amount of time. A man was "rescued" only to endure another 2 years of unimaginable circumstances under enemy control. That same man, eventually made it home. And it was really hard to be home. A place he had been longing for, for so long...and yet a place that felt anything but safe. That man decided not to let the past decide his future. That man found faith, and grace, and unconditional love. That man decided to live and give what he had found, BACK. Even to those who had tried to break him. That is what Unbroken is about. After I gave up my second guessing, I loved every single page. Highly recommended!

BTR & Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

The girls in the house are quite enamored with the foursome that is Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush. We watch their show, buy their CDs, sing their songs. And this Summer, we went to their sold out concert! It was a surprise for the girls, and they were jumping for joy when Matt and I asked them to come in from the pool one afternoon and read our chalkboard. Taped to it were tickets to that night's concert at our local county fair.

Thanks to BTR tshirts, silly bands, and a very sweet friend who helped us get seats in the second row, the concert was a night to remember! Seeing my girls faces and excitement, and being able to tell the four boys up there, really loved what they were doing - it made being that close even fun for ME. During one song, Megan stood up on her chair and made a heart with her hands at Carlos (her favorite.) He saw her, flashed a smile, pointed right at her, and MADE A HEART BACK. She just about died. She and Molly were squealing with delight. BTR debuted a new song while on tour this Summer, If I Ruled The World, and part of the video was recorded live at the concert we were at. Every time it comes on TV now, the girls freak.

My first concert was at almost 20 years old...so I have often wondered (Miley, JoBros) if live concerts for my young girls are really appropriate. What I've learned from these nights is knowing the music my girls like and making these experiences with them...well, I think that is priceless and very appropriate.

On our table this week:
Monday - Bobby Flay's fried chicken, green salad and corn

Tuesday - Four Flight's meat & potato tacos

Wednesday - Wyatt's Birthday! He has requested Pizza and a Spiderman cake for dinner.

Thursday - Swedish meatballs and steamed broccoli

Friday - Battle of the Bay! We'll eat at the game and WEAR WHITE for the whiteout. Go Newport!

My So Called Life Sunday

2011-09-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

(source)

Memory Lane

2011-09-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

This week Wyatt will turn FOUR! For today's Memory Lane, I'm reposting the Birthday Letter I wrote to him on his first birthday. A mother's love never stops growing. I am always made so aware of this truth on my children's birthdays. Another year brings another 365 reasons I've fallen in love with this boy.

Three Sixty Five

originally posted September 21, 2008

Wyatt Matthew Burns - hours old

September 21, 2007

Dear Wyatt,

365. That's how many days you've been on this Earth. You've been in my life about 39 weeks longer than that. But I think you've been in my heart for as long as I can remember. I have always loved you. Always wanted you.

Today is your FIRST Birthday! I am so happy you were born. There was a time I thought I could be content with just girls. I tried to tell myself that the bond between Mother and Son was one that I did not need to know. But deep inside, my heart knew me best, and YOU won out. Your Daddy and I set out on a mission to have a BOY. When we learned you were on your way, we were so excited. And when we found out you were HIM - our family felt complete. God had granted our prayers and wishes and I couldn't have been happier.

I can't even tell you how much joy you bring to my everyday. Your 7-tooth smile, your silly giggle, your pudgy thighs... I can't get enough of you! I think my favorite is when I call "WY-ATT!" and you cock your head and shoot me a side glance and a grin. Melt my heart. I tell everyone that I have a crush on you. Want to know what is wrapped around your little finger? Yep, it's ME! You smell like a combo of syrup, baby shampoo, Bounce, and sweet baby sweat. Every time I rock you to sleep, I bury my face in your neck and take that smell in. I never want to forget it.

I have two nicknames for you: "Munchie" and "Bubba Lubs." You can be a Sandy Munchie, a Silly Munchie, and a Tired Munchie. Today Molly hollered at me: "Mom! Wyatt is a Stinky Munchie! You gotta change him!" Munchie is two fold. You are my little Munchkin and also you have always loved to eat! Your favorite foods right now are meats and vegetables. Hotdogs, ham, sausage, bacon, chicken breast, salmon...you eat it all hand over fist. Carrots, green beans, broccoli, lima beans, zucchini, red bell peppers, even sauteed onions! I have yet to find a vegetable that you didn't gobble right up and then sign for MORE!

Sophisticated Mommy Speak that started out as "Baby Love," grew into "Bubby Lubbies," and is now finally "Bubba Lubs." It's what I greet you with when you wake from your nap. It always makes you scrunch up your nose and smile, while your little body stretches awake. It sometimes turns into "Bubber Lubbers," too!

You are a happy, happy baby. As long as you are fed and rested, you are content to go with the flow. Whenever you are cranky however, going outside cheers you right up! You love the outdoors. If the front or back door is open, you make a beeline for it and can just crawl around taking in the world for hours. Just yesterday you spent over an hour digging and pouring at the Sand and Water table - talking all the time to the dog and your sisters, signing at every airplane and bird that flew overhead.

Me and Wyatt - 8 months old

May 2008

Your new favorite thing is a Ball. Any ball - a football, baseball, golf ball, soccer ball. You love them all! Whenever you see one you race across the floor saying "Get! Get! Get!" At Daddy's football games you see the ball fly through the air and again, "Get! Get! Get!" The other day we were at Grammie's for dinner and she asked you if you wanted spaghetti and meatballs. You lit right up, "Get! Get! Get!" Too funny!

You also love to dance. Whenever you hear music you bob your little head or stand up and bounce on your chubby legs. You especially love to make all the lights and music go on your Leapfrog Play and Learn Table. You know how to push the buttons until "If You're Happy and You Know It" comes on. Then you stop and clap, clap, clap your hands!

Every day I ask you to say MaMa, but only twice have you obliged! Your words so far are Daddy, dog, ball, get and GG. You know lots of sign language. Dog, milk, all done, more, airplane, motorcycle, helicopter, car, ball, bird, fan, and flower are some that you use a lot. You can stand on your own, clap your hands, wave hello and goodbye, and play "So Big!" You've yet to take a step, but it feels like you are close. Yesterday Daddy and you were playing on the bed. He was pretending to be asleep. I said "Give Daddy a Kiss Kiss and he'll wake up!" You crawled right over and planted a big wet smooch on his cheek. It's fascinating to see you listen, comprehend, and act.

There are few things that make you laugh like Megan and Molly. They can get you giggling hysterically - where no sound comes out and I have to tell them to give you a break! You love to sit in the middle of our big bed and get bounced around as your sisters jump. You roll around and try to "jump" too - even tho you are just on your knees. They love you so much and are constantly loving ON you - hugging, kissing, and carrying you around. Sometimes this gets to be too much and you scream and push them away. But I think that just makes them come back for more. You follow them around the house, doing your best to keep up on all fours. You always want to be where the action is. They are usually happy to include you in their play - and often fight over whose baby you are when they play house! Some of my happiest moments as a Mommy are when I've been occupied with the dishes or laundry or some other Mommy task - and I come upon the three of you, sitting on the floor, playing together on your own - laughing, talking, being siblings. I try to not let you see me and just watch from afar.

You also love your Daddy. When you wake in the morning, you call out Da Da Da Da over and over. When he actually comes into your room, the chanting turns into DADDY! and gets louder and faster as you jump up and down in your crib with excitement. When you hear his motorcycle coming up the driveway at the end of the day, you say DADDY! and crawl to the front door as fast as you can. Once he picks you up you just giggle with contentment.

In closing, I must tell you, I am happy to say that my love for you is not unrequited. You have the hots for me too! I feel a guilty satisfaction when sometimes nothing but Mommy will do. The instant cessation of your tears when I gather you up in my arms makes me feel so special. Irreplaceable.

Wyatt, my Bubba Lubs, I love you over the Moon. The impression you have made upon my life and heart in this one short year is so Grand! I can't imagine not having you. And now that I do, I know we were always meant to be. I look at you full of life and hope, happiness and possibility and I feel like a Queen. I made you, I grew you, I birthed you, and you are mine! Does life get any sweeter? Happiest of Birthdays my Little Man. May you continue to grow and giggle, learn and love, be and belong. In this world. In our family. In my heart. Forever.

Love, Mommy

Wyatt Matthew Burns - 12 months old

September 2008

Oreo Cheesecake

2011-09-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Oreo Cheesecake

This is a recipe I developed from my original cheesecake recipe. I make the whole thing in the Cuisinart. It it really rich and creamy and will easily feed 8-10 people!

(pic1) Ingredients

Crust

26 oreo cookies

6 TBS butter, melted

Filling

1 cup hot fudge, softened to spreadable

12 oreo cookies, coarsely chopped

2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Topping

1 pint sour cream

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan and cover the bottom with foil. Reassemble the pan and pull the foil up and around the outside.

Grind oreos (filling too) in the Cuisinart with the metal blade until coarse crumbs.

Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture comes together. It will be slightly crumbly.

(pic2) Press mixture into the bottom and half way up the sides of the spring form pan.

Bake for 5 minutes.

While the crust is in the oven, wash the Cuisinart bowl and blade and reassemble.

(pic3) Remove crust from oven and top with hot fudge and half the (pic4&5) twelve chopped oreos. (Set aside other half to add to cream cheese mixture.) Place crust in the freezer while you prepare the cream cheese filling. This will harden the hot fudge and keep it from rising and mixing with your cream cheese mixture when you pour it in.

Blend the 2 packages of cream cheese.

Add the sugar 1/4 cup at a time, pulsing between each addition.

Add the eggs, one at a time, pulsing between each addition.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

(pic6) Add the vanilla and remaining chopped oreos.

(pic7) Pulse until well combined.

(pic8) Remove crust from freezer and pour filling mixture over.

Return to the oven for 25-30 minutes.

Right before the filling is done baking, mix together the topping. I put the 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla right into the container of sour cream and stir. (No need to dirty another bowl!)

When the filling is done baking (pic9) it will dome a little at the top and will NOT jiggle in the middle when you move the pan around.

(pic10) Remove from the oven and immediately (gently!) top with the sour cream mixture.

(pic11) Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

Let the whole think cool on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes before removing the outer ring of the spring form pan. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving, but BEST if you chill it overnight!

(pic 12) Slice and ENJOY!

Be sure and check back next Friday for next week's "flavor!"

InstaFriday & Oreo Cheesecake

2011-09-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the first home football game of the season and Megan and Molly get to cheer at halftime...so this house is EXCITED! We live close enough to the school that we could hear band practice carrying through our backyard doors this morning and all three kids were jumping around and practicing cheers. I made the coaches an Oreo Cheesecake this week. It turned out gorgeous! But first - our week in Instagram fabulousness.

Wyatt's birthday is next week. I made these invites for a family dinner party we'll have to celebrate our favorite webslinger turning FOUR! * The last of my tomatoes. I roasted 3 trays this size this week. We've been eating them in pastas, tarts, salads and sandwiches (ok, well mostly just I am eating them.) * This Years Love. It's how I fall asleep when I can't fall asleep. And pretty much anything else David Gray croons. * Back To School Night was this week. Molly class read How Full is your Bucket and was asked how they could fill classmate's buckets. I love this little girl's heart! * That's me. Or at least the top of my head. On the couch watching YouTube videos on how to "ombre" your hair at home. My brother said this made him think of Seinfield's Urban Sombrero. Maybe I should just get one of those to cover my roots instead! * 100% looking forward to this show. Love the South. Love Rachel Bilson. Love the YA drama that is the CW. * Wyatt started school on Monday! His camera smile cracks me up. * The girls "redecorated" their room last weekend. Unbunked their beds and said goodbye to their pastel, PBK, flowery bedspreads. They feel so "cool."

Now onto the serious YUM that is this week's cheesecake!

CLICK HERE for the recipe

Be sure and check back next Friday for next week's "flavor!"

Haute Hearts

2011-09-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

{Haute Hearts: recent fab finds I love}

Pumpkin cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream, Goodreads.com

Chalkboard Inspiration

2011-09-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

{A What I Love, Wordless Wednesday}

Ina Garten Supper Club

2011-09-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Over the Summer, my Supper Club met for our last rotation of the group before starting a new cycle. It was Shawna's turn to host and she picked Ina Garten as the theme. It was especially fun for her to be the hostess, since it gave us all a chance to see and celebrate her new home together! I'm positively in love with Shawna's chandelier over her dining table. Ina was also a perfect theme - as we all love her recipes and pretty much think her and Jeffrey are the cutest ever. It made for a night of great food and great conversation with beautiful friends!

Courtney, Aleece and Allison ready to pop the Veuve to celebrate Shawna's new home! Gorgeous pink and blush peonies. Shawna's table and awe inspiring mother of pearl chandelier. Our place settings.

Appetizers on the patio. Baked Fontina and french baguette. Shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce. The French Martini.

The Main Course. Emily tossing her Roasted Butternut Squash salad. I made Zucchini Gratin. And Shawna completely out did herself with Beef Bourguignon!

Dessert (always room!) was made by Allison. I would venture to say she is the premiere baker out of all of us in Supper Club, so we are always excited when it's her turn to bring dessert. She made Couer a la Creme and homemade Palmiers. Both, were over the top. I'm not a dessert fan, and even on my very FULL stomach, this was one of the best desserts I have ever had!

I have said it before, but it's worth saying again, Supper Club is a great reminder of what a beautiful life & girlfriends I am blessed with. I am so thankful for our times together!

1st Day Pics & Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today was Wyatt's first day of school. So over the weekend, I used this recipe to make some plum jam to give his teacher as a little "Back To School" appreciation gift. Also because I had a ton of plums from our CSA box! It was really easy and turned out so yummy. I made a tag to tie on the jar that I thought was funny and cute.

I took pictures of the kids in front of our gate last year on their first day of school. So I guess it's tradition now! It's so crazy (and fun) to see how much they have grown in one year. Wyatt has changed the most to me - with his big boy haircut and thinning out. Molly is next - she lost some of her "baby face" this past year and insists on blow drying her own hair every morning cause she likes it loooonnnng!! Megan, physically looks pretty much the same. But I think in her eyes, there is an air of confidence that comes with being comfortable at school as a 2nd grader.

Now that we are back in the swing of the organized chaos that is Fall, I must menu plan to make it all work. Matt and I both have meetings this week, as well as softball, the girls' Back To School Night and football. Therefore, I'm only planning three meals. The other nights we'll manage with leftovers or take out!

Monday - Cilantro lime chicken with roasted broccoli and green salad

Tuesday - meetings (which means babysitter = mac & cheese & fruit!)

Wednesday - Scrambled eggs, strawberry scones and bacon

Thursday - Turkey taco salad and quesadillas before Back To School

Friday - Football. Megan & Molly get to cheer at the game!

Looking forward to this busy, but fun filled week!

My So Called Life Sunday

2011-09-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

A little tribute to the heat wave we had this past week!

As beautiful and fun as these pictures are...I do believe I am ready for Fall.

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