A Spot of Sun

The kind of spot of sun I dream about all winter long-a beautfiul patio/dining area.

From Brabourne Farm

More beautiful parties

More partying going on around the blogosphere.


and much more at Daisy Pink Cupcake

Birthday parties

I haven't had too many really cute birthday parties for my kids, okay, I haven't had many parties for them period. I just think it is too much crazy work. But sometimes I feel up to it. I may have to use some of these really cute ideas I've seen around the web recently.

A sweet candy themed one at Hissyfits Photography.

A whole slew of adorable parties at Kara's Party Ideas like this adorable Raggedy Ann party.

And more cute parties at One Charming Party.

A Lovely Laundry

Not even a laundry room as pretty as this would make me want to wash all the clothes from our weekend away, plus loads before that are still waiting, lurking, stinking...


From Brabourne Farm

And a Turquoise Kitchen

I found a beautiful blog today that I've been pursing for longer than I want to admit, House of Turquoise. I think I like just about every picture I've seen. And now besides wanting a pink bedroom, I want a turquoise kitchen. Do you mind honey?

A New Niece

We trekked to Idaho Falls to meet our new niece Bella. She was blessed in church and also got to attend a sweet football party thrown by my younger brother.

The guest of honor, baby Bella

We had a great time. And that is not only because I totally won the football throw half-time challenge, although that was a large part of it!

Here I'm wearing my sweet prize, the Dr. Pepper PJ's and holding my new Dr. Pepper worthy glass. (Never mind that I don't like Dr. Pepper or any cola for that matter, I will wear my pants with pride and joy every time I visit home!)

A Pink Bedroom

It wouldn't take too much to convince me to have a pink bedroom (or at least lobby my husband for one).
And this photo just about does it. (BHG.com)

Garden Dreams in January

It's starting already. Every winter, after the glow of Christmas is past, and the long haul of coldness stretches out before me, I start dreaming of gardening. That is really where I excel, the dreaming part. Round about June or July, I am all out of dreams and not an ounce of work ethic left. So, I enjoy the dreaming.

Well, I already got my first plant catalog in the mail and today I opened it up during lunch. Oh, there were some pretty ones, day lilies, hostas, campanulas and of course the echinaceas and rudbeckias that I love. Anyway. . .

I've already started dreaming of a few projects I want to try this spring. First is a new big flower bed around the crab apple tree we planted last fall. That has been in the works for some time, so I'm pretty sure I can get that one done.

Second is a terrarium. I saw this pretty one on Midwest Living.

However, owing to the fact that I don't own anything like that, I may have to try something like one of these.


Third, I want to make fairy or mini-gardens with my girls this spring. I prefer them without fairies showing.
BHG.com
Odeedoh.com
Odeedoh.com (Isn't the tire swing totally cute)
How About Orange had a link to directions at The Herb Companion.

Forth, I have been thinking of trying a tabletop water garden, where you just put water in a pot, a few water plants, and presto! But I can't find the picture I have of one, so you'll just have to imagine.

MaLM - 2010

Make a list Monday

Well, hello again. We had a wonderful holiday, but I'm glad it is January. I took down the last remaining holiday decor this weekend, and I'm so glad to see my house again! It's inspired me to change things up a bit. I'm planning on moving and shaking up all my house decor and put it all in a new place. With no new purchases required, I'm redoing my whole house! Now I just need the energy to do it. But first the laundry...

So here is my first list of the new year.

What I am going to attempt to accomplish this year.

1. I am going to strive for more balance this year, balance between children, husband, friends, cleaning, sleeping, learning and growing. I'm counting on prayer to help me figure the right balance out for me.

2. Spend more time outdoors (I'll wait until spring to start this one) I resolve to spend more time during the hot summer, and the unpredictable spring and summer out of doors, especially keeping up my yard.

3. Matt and I are resolving to get the kids tucked in at 8:00 for real, and ourselves put to bed by 10. We are working hard at this, and our kids are working hard against it. But we are decided. I'll let you know ;)

4. Our continuing goal is to have a date every week. Last year I kept a date journal for Matt detailing all our dates. I surprised him with it for Christmas. So I happen to know that we had 51 dates last year! That includes dates out, dates in, temple trips, double dates, overnighters, adult church meetings, concerts, plays, walks and more. Wow, I didn't think there would be that many because we certainly missed a few weeks, but having two some weeks really boosted us up. This goal is so important for our relationship and for our kids' well-being as well. This is a life long goal!

5. I resolve to get my hair cut at least 3 times this year!! I know, this may seem pathetic to so many of you, but I have such a hard time doing it. I either have to get a babysitter, or have Matt work from home, schedule it way out, blah, blah, blah.

6. I resolve to NOT be a room mom next year. I'm just saying.

That's it for now. I always get more ideas, but these are all I'm committing to for now. How about you? What is your new years goal?

Cousin Fun

Our niece was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were so happy to be able to join them for the special day.

Matching cousins (both 8-years-old)

Father and sons

The Holidays are Over

And it is a good thing, because we are plumb worn out.

Sledding

Last year we never made it sledding and we heard about it all year. So this year we decided to get it done over Christmas break. We drove up the canyon to the church-owned Mutual Dell and totally lucked out when the family group that was getting ready to leave offered us their leftover hot chocolate in exchange for a few pictures. We were happy to oblige!

Andrew's Bonus Present

Christmas afternoon Andrew decided that he needed a little more excitement. So he banged his head into our padded ottoman and gashed open his eyelid.

After consulting the family (real family that is, uncle) doctor, we decided we had to get a few Christmas stitches. For a real doozy of a present, Uncle M offered to do the stitches for us at his clinic. So we met him there and Andrew got 5 stitches. Uncle M said that he was probably the best 4-year-old he'd ever stitched since he was so still and quiet, which made Andrew quite proud and happy.

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas Day complete with happy grandparent house guests. Here are a few pictures of the happy day.