V~Day and an Epiphany

Valentine's Day was lovely. It started, and ended with large amounts of sugar. Surprise, surprise? We normally start out with heart~shaped waffles and strawberry milk, but it was a busy school morning and I thought this might be a fun change...

Pink milk is a must! And chocolates for breakfast unfortunately, is kinda our style. (though I didn't intend for them to be eaten right away:)

Kaden was the first to wake up and find the goods. He was super excited to find his box of chocolates {he's been dropping hints for a couple weeks now}, and I still can't believe he can read his own card...

When that Daddy~one and the sis joined in, the party really got rollin'...

Parker didn't waste any time diggin' in to his chocolates...

Throughout the day we delivered valentine's to special neighbors and friends. And then, as if we hadn't had enough sugar...

in preparation...

For fondue night!

We were all so happy to have Mimi & Papa, and Gramy & Papa stop by to see us...

We were feelin' pretty loved...

Do you think Ry~bug was enjoying herself?

Me and my valentine. Sure do love this boy~ he is definitely my better half. He keeps me in line, and makes me the happiest girl in the whole world.

For some reason I was lovin' seeing these 5 strawberry milks lined up in the refrigerator. Just wondering if there need to be 6? That is my dilemma right now...

Last night we took our Laurels to the WSU Basketball game. I was feeling grumpy about it. The weather was terrible, and I was really dreading the drive. But in the end we had a great time, and made it back safe and sound. As we pulled into our neighborhood I was mesmerized by the way the snow had frosted each and every tree branch on our street, and with the soft light from the homes illuminating them it was absolutely breathtaking. It made me pause, and remember to notice the beauty around me, and be grateful. Because I truly have so much to be grateful for.

This morning I couldn't help but snap a picture of them...

And my attitude of gratitude has carried into today. I am thankful today that i have the family that I do, for the true joy and happiness they bring me, for our home that is a safe~haven, for good friends and extended family that are always there, that my children have full tummies, that they are growing and learning every day, and that I get to witness it all.

Funny the things that capture your attention, put things into perspective, and help you remember:

"Life is to be enjoyed, not endured."
~Gordon B. Hinckley

Conversation Hearts~

Nothing screams Valentine's Day like conversation hearts. They are not necessarily my favorite candy, but man are they cute! My little sister Cassie found an awesome recipe for them, home~made style... just the way i like em'.

First you are going to take

1 pkg. gelatin

1/2 c. water

2 T. Karo syrup

Whisk together in microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 30 seconds, and whisk again.

Add 2 lbs. powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time~ beat well, put mixer down, pause... continue 1 cup at a time until sugar is gone.

{it is going to get thick! my mixer was smokin':O}
On clean counter surface put down a good amount of powdered sugar, and continue kneading dough until completely combined and smooth. Next, divide into sections (as many as you would like) and one at a time you will flavor and color each section. Roll out 1/4 in. thick, and cut into heart shapes...
Place hearts on wax or parchment paper, and allow several hours to dry...

This is a double batch... it makes a lot of hearts!

Once candy has hardened, you take an edible pen or marker and write sweet nothings on them...

And in the end you will have a sweet, and personalized treat!!

Cassie~ thanks again for this fabulous idea and recipe! We had so much fun making these over the weekend:)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Flashback Friday

Nic and Parker smooching in the Bear Lake sun... I want to be there right now. My heart is aching at how much my baby has grown up. Why does it have to go so quickly?

In other news~ the kids and I stuffed birds the other night over pizza. I had a blast hanging out with them {the kids, not the birds}, they are hilarious. I still have melted plastic adhered to my fireplace from the bag of stuffing... maybe we should have kept the party in the kitchen:)

Wondering what they are for? Stay tuned, and I just might show you...
Rylie's room is getting close. Now if I could just put this crib in the basement...

I think I can, I think I can. I may, or may not have the heart to follow through. We have filled this crib with our babies for the last 7 1/2 years.

How can I take it down?

Ready for Valentine's?

Why, yes we are. Our kitchen has been covered in loving words to one another, and a few sweets...

Last week the kids and I dug out all of our supplies, and got to work...
I absolutely love that they they want to hang out with their Momma all afternoon, and cut out hearts...
Rylie made at least a dozen hand~made valentines... Kaden made me a couple of very special valentines~ I was loving every second of this...
Not quite sure what Parker was up too over here with the saran~wrap?? But he was a big help:) I thought we needed a new center piece for our table, and definitely wanted to incorporate some sugar (although I kinda wish I had used chocolate:)
My all~time favorite candy... The candy corn {in valentine colors~ too cute} and delicious!

Thanks for the tip on this table~runner Sharstin, I absolutely adore it.

(My kids have already left their mark on it. Crayon and marker~ hoping the magic eraser will come through:)

I saw a rendition of this in Better Homes, and loved it! This was our version~ not quite as cute, but it'll do the job:)

My little helper. Helping himself to some treats...

And then we had our traditional f.h.e. on love and eternal families, and wrote love notes on the hearts we cut out. It is one of my favorite traditions...

So our kitchen looks something like this around Valentine's... but usually there is some sort of meal taking place, and it is a mess!

Some of my favorites this year...

You guys know I am never going to live that one down. But it's okay, as long as I was able to make at least a few people smile~ or even laugh! I am glad to share, even if it is at my own expense:) Some more of my favorites...

( I had to help Rylie and Parke out a little)

Nic asked Parker if he loved his Mommy, and he said, "Ya, she's my bwes fwend." If that doesn't melt your heart, I don't know what will. He is an angel. Speaking of angels~ Kaden wrote this note at school, and it makes me smile every time I see it...

To me, Valentine's Day is simple, thought~out, hand~made, serving and showing love to everyone around you. And I've learned that when you do, your heart will be full, and your days will be happy:)

Date Night

I had a hot date last night. My parents were sweet enough to take our kiddos, and share a pair of Jazz tickets~ thanks Mimi & Papa, you are the BEST!

On our way to SLC Nic informed me he had just the spot to dine. You see, I love food. I love to explore new tastes. For whatever reason {fear} I had never tried Indian food. Isn't this facade so inviting...
I told Nic this would not go on the blog {i told a little fiblet}. Sorry hon, it was too cute not to share:)
Our appetizers were so delish! Butter chicken, and Chicken Chow Chow~ oh my...
Don't you love the silverware with their gold handles? I was swooning over them... and my date:)
I gave Indian food a two thumbs up~ and after our tummies were fully satisfied we were off to the game!
Wait, what is that tricky ol' Bear up to?? Sled? I think I know where this is going...
Wait for it...
Oh! There he goes...
At this moment I was thanking my lucky stars that I was still living, and Nic was apologizing for putting me in danger~ isn't he a sweetie? Then it was half-time, red mango time, and I was in need of a potty break. The night was going so well, until...
Duh, duh, duunnnnn....

I walked out of the ladie's room with toilet paper hanging out of my pants!

Now, I don't embarrass easily, mostly because well, I do a lot of embarrassing things. So I've never really had a 'most embarrassing moment,' until now. Let's see, where do I begin.... oh! I was on a potty break. Everything was fine, a simple potty break, as I was washing up and reapplying lip gloss this girl comes walking up behind me and gives me an interesting look. I didn't think much of it at the time, finished up and went to join my boyfriend. When I came out, the red mango line was insane! People everywhere. Nice. So I weave my way up to almost the front, where I find Nic waiting. He asks me how I'm doing, and I snuggle into his side. After a minute, this guy from across the way gestures for Nic to go over there. Nic hesitantly looks around, and the guy gives him the 'Ya, you look.' Nic goes over and the guy says to him, "Hey, I didn't want to say anything to her, but your girl has some toilet paper hanging out." Nic politely thanks him, and comes back over to me. "Who was that?" I asked. "The guy says you have some toilet paper..." Immediately I reach back and feel it!! It is totally coming out of the top of my pants!! What the?!! I quickly grab it~ gave that guy a big ol' hug, and thank him for telling me. I'm laughing, but seriously want to crawl in a hole and die!! Then I start having flashbacks of the girl in the bathroom. She totally knew~ and didn't say anything!! {jerk} I was totally boggled how in the world it even got there. My best guess is that I somehow snagged the toilet paper hanging down from the roll or something? I couldn't even enjoy my red mango I was so worked up! Here is a blurry picture of the game to clear our thoughts for a minute...

So, can you even believe it? I know. But I will say, Nic and I had some serious laughs and it felt good. Have I ever told you how fun my boyfriend is??

And I have just a small crush on the Bear too. It was such a great night~ minus the tp incident. Jazz lost in the last second by 1 point~ total bummer. My favorite play of the night was when my new fav 'In-your-face-Evans' swatted the ball away from those darn Rocket's! and his unforgettable dunk! It was awesome.

If you don't want to be my friend anymore, it's okay. I totally understand...

But will you forgive me if I show you something super cute??

And it comes in all different colors... see here.

What do ya say, give me another chance? Promise I won't do anything stupid for at least a few days:)

Thanks loves!

XO