Barnum & Bailey

Warrior Prince Academy

2010-08-14T09:55:00.003-05:00

Barnum had a FANTASTIC week at Warrior Prince Academy. He experienced wonderful and loving teachers, incredible lessons on Bible Truths and encouragement about who he is in Christ.

Hats Off to Royal Purpose Ministries!!! I encourage you to check them out!!

Skate, Skate, Skate!

2010-07-18T19:11:00.004-05:00

Summer time..... and the livin is easy? These last two months have been a WHIRLWIND!!!

Here is a blast from the past. I have blogged and blogged about the frequency with which my munchkins see the dentist. Every 3 months we toodle in at 8:15 for 30-45 minutes of sunglasses, Mr. Thirsty, bloody murder screaming and then the pirate treasure box. Back in February, we saw him TWICE. Twice because he puts on the most awesomest Valentine's Skating Party EVER!!!

Here is Barnum donning skates for the very first time!

WHY WOULD YOU TAKE A 4-YEAR OLD SKATING??? Because they have adaptive equipment!!!!

Here, Barnum is skating with his best friend and cousin, Thomas.

They really did steal the show!!

I must admit, Bailey was pretty miffed he didn't get skates. Therefore, he guilted us in to getting everyone sno-cones. That is right. Our dentist lives it up at his parties!!! Sno-cones, cookies, juice, popcorn, the works!! My niece even won an i-pod shuffle!!!!

Giveaway Winner Take 2!!

2010-05-20T08:04:00.001-05:00

8

Random numbers generated May 20 2010 at 8:3:57 by www.psychicscience.org

Comment #8 is KIMBERLY

Email me within the next 24 hours to claim your fun giftcard to CSN Stores.com!!!!

Giveaway WINNER!!

2010-05-18T21:00:00.002-05:00

20

Random numbers generated May 18 2010 at 21:37:34 by www.psychicscience.org

Comment #20 is SODAHONEY!!!

SodaHoney please contact me via email to claim your $40 Giftcard to CSN Stores.com!!!
www.barnumandbaileyblog@gmail.com

THANK YOU to all of you who participated and please check back soon for more chances to win fabulous prizes!!!

Trash to Treasure!!

2010-05-14T18:34:00.005-05:00

Some time ago, before the temps started hitting 90 degrees, I ventured on a walk with Barnum, Bailey and Ruby. (Me holding the leash and the two little men on foot.) It just so happened to be "heavy trash day." Being a girl who was raised with dumpsters in the alley, I didn't know the love of "heavy trash day."

I.LOVE.HEAVY.TRASHDAY. (The day where residents in our subdivision are allowed to put "items larger than our standard issue 50 gallon rolling trash can with lid" on the curb.

We stumbled upon these:

Some how I was able to carry BOTH of these chairs, manage the dog on the leash AND herd Barnum and Bailey back to the house. Why didn't I just go and get my car you ask?? Because we were 10 minutes away and someone else could have TAKEN THEM!!! My husband rolled his eyes and said, "Honey, nobody else would have taken them!" Clearly he doesn't read the blogs I read!!

3 cans of Krylon Indoor/Outdoor spray paint later and two cushions I scored at Garden Ridge and we had these:

Please never underestimate the power of spray paint!!! Because I am always inspired by other creative peeps who love to share ideas, I am linking to the following:

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home, Look What I Made Day @ Creations by Kara, Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Creative Cats Linky @ Poppies at Play, and last but certainly not LEAST...Power of Paint Party @ Domestically Speaking

Giveaway--CSN Stores.com

2010-05-09T17:37:00.016-05:00

This giveaway is now closed! No complaining!! You had an extra NINE hours!!! :)

CSN Stores has over 200 amazing online stores where you can find almost anything you need whether it be a sofa or a suitcase, a crib or a cookie sheet!

Have you ventured to CSN Stores.com yet? If not, you are MISSING OUT!!! With 200+ online stores they offer an incomparable selection! It is one stop shopping for Furniture, Home Decor, Housewares, Home Improvement, Baby & Kids, Shoes, Bags, Luggage and even your pet!

Below are my MUST HAVES!!!

Now to the giveaway.......

I have a $40 gift card to CSN Stores.com to give away to one of my very lucky readers!!!

How to enter:

1. Visit CSN Stores.com and leave a comment on this post telling me about one of YOUR must have items.

2. Be/become a follower of this blog and leave a comment on this post letting me know!

3. Link this giveaway on your own blog or a giveaway list and let me know you did by commenting here with a link.

This giveaway ends on Tuesday, May 18th at 12 PM. A Random Number Generator will be used to select the winner. The winner will have 24 hrs to contact me or a new winner will be selected.

Sew Tape Easy Lampshade

2010-04-01T18:32:00.004-05:00

I don't sew yet. (I have the machine out of the box and I have forced others to use it. I just haven't used it yet.) However, I DO Sew Tape very well!!

I took this basic Better Homes and Gardens lampshade and made it my own with 2 simple products: Singer Sew Tape and Trim I dug out of the clearance box at Hobby Lobby.

Step 1: Wrap your sew tape around! (Note, YES, you could use a glue gun here but WHY RISK THE BURN?? Plus, with sew tape you have all the time in the world to piddle. You don't have to get your trim down before it dries!!)

Step 2: Place your trim on top of the Sew Tape!!

Step 3: Uh-Oh. This is a little too "Double Greek, Double Geek!!" The Strong Man almost wet his pants laughing at it!!

Step 4: A few snips of the scissors and.......

Handmade Chalk!

2010-03-28T20:50:00.006-05:00

Barnum and I followed a GREAT tutorial from Skip to My Lou to make our own SIDEWALK CHALK!!

Cindy gives FANTASTIC directions that are easy to follow and A LOT of fun!! Just look!!

It IS messy. It is MESSY FUN though!! I promise!!

Of course I couldn't stop at the eggs!! Barnum's little friend was having a special day to celebrate getting her insulin pump so we made some pink hearts just for her!! I went out on a limb and tried our luck with Cindy's directions in a silicone heart mold. It did the trick and it didn't harm the mold in any way!

The results are in. You can definitely tell which one was our first egg and which one was our first heart!! Heee heeee!!

Please check out Skip to My Lou for 100 MILLION awesome ideas and FUN!

Sugar Shamrocks

2010-03-16T21:27:00.004-05:00

Bailey and I made these Sugar Cube Shamrocks quite a while ago!! They were inspired by none other than my sister-in-law! She surprised me with some around Valentine's Day and I instantly fell back in love.

Sugar cubes take me back to Citizen's Bank. You see children, there was a time when people actually had to park their cars, WALK into the bank and do business face-to-face. When your Grammy was doing said business, your mommy and Aunt Amanda were over at the coffee station throwing back as many sugar cubes as possible. We would break for a second to grab a bag of salty popcorn and then take right back up with the sugar cube madness. Ohhhhhhh the sugar cube!!

Bailey and I used the trial and error recipe and it worked the first time!!

Needed items:
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons of water mixed with 3 drops of liquid food coloring
1 candy mold in desired shape

Combine all of the ingredients into a medium mixing bowl and stir with a fork until the color is distributed evenly through the sugar.

Use a teaspoon (the old English standard! 1 teaspoon= 1 lump of sugar) to fill your candy molds. A butter knife can be used to even out the tops.

Let the filled candy mold set for 15 minutes. In the meantime, cover your mixing bowl with a damp paper towel so the remaining sugar doesn't dry out.

Turn the candy mold over to release sugar cubes! Fill and repeat until all of your sugar is gone!!

Finally, organize them into corny Shamrocks to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!!

I'm linking up to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday! Please check it out for some more Yummy treats!!

Faux Metal Planters

2010-03-11T21:37:00.011-06:00

We have been digging in the dirt around here! I wanted to spruce up our front porch so I set off to my local Garden Ridge for a 12" metal planter to hold my Rosemary tree and an extra large metal planter to hold an ornamental evergreen.

I gasped in horror when I saw the prices!! They ranged from $69.99-169.99. No way, no how!! After snaking through row after row of out of budget metal planters, I happened upon some PLASTIC planters. Thankfully, they were $7.99 and $39.99!! The plastic planters had great decorative touches and I knew the finish I wanted was just a can of spray paint away!!

Here is the before:

I used RustOleum's Universal Hammered Spray Paint. It was quick, cheap and easy! This is the 12" plastic planter. It contains my Rosemary Tree and a few dwarf marigolds I threw in for color.

Here is a picture of the "Hammered Metal" finish.

Total Cost of Project: $92.50

2 plastic planters= $52 (including tax)

Dirt= Straight outta the garden!

Rosemary Tree= A lovely gift from a friend

Dwarf Marigolds= $1 for 6

Ornamental Evergreen= $29

1 can of RustOleum's Hammered Spray Paint= $8.50 (including tax)

Alyssium to border the Evergreen= $2 for 6

Happy Planting My friends!!

I will be linking this project up at:

Me and My Bucket-Show Us What You're Working With

The Shabby Chic Cottage-Transformation Thursday

Go and check out the participants!! The ideas are VERY creative!!

Sea Salt Caramels

2010-03-03T21:28:00.008-06:00

About this time last year, I was introduced to Sea Salt Caramels by my dear Abby while at Berings. I fell in LOVE!! Well, my SIL was headed downtown to do some shopping there and I asked her to pick me some up. Much to my chagrin...they DO NOT CARRY THEM ANYMORE!!

Would my SIL make me do without?? NO! She went home and MADE ME SOME!! Woooooo-hoooooo! They were to DIE!!! Now that I have been privy to such a recipe, I feel it is only fair that I pay it forward!!

The recipe comes from the very lovely, Elizabeth LaBau. She writes at Cake or Death? and About Candy. She is darling and I highly suggest adding her to your Reader!!

Cast of Characters:

Monitoring with the candy thermom. I HIGHLY suggest using your LARGE stockpot!! You will feel much better about your adventure and get better results.

OK, OK!! I fess up! I HIGHLY suggest using the large stockpot because I tried THREE times and my caramel never, Never, NEVER, ever set up!! I was forced into making "caramel sauce" 3 TIMES!!

BUT!!! Wait a minute!! Be STILL MY HEART!!! What was waiting for me when I came home from BSF on Monday night??? This:

Which when flipped out of the pan looked like this:

That is right. The Strong Man does it again! He got his caramel to set up perfectly. THE FIRST TIME!! Torture. Ya'll it is PURE TORTURE that everything comes easily to him!!

Next up: Cutting and Dipping and Sprinkling, oH MY!!

Cutting

Dipping

Sprinkling

YUM, YUM go and get you some!! Please check out Elizabeth's recipe here!!

I will be sharing this post at:

Make it Yours Day @ My Backyard Eden

Show Us What You're Working With @ Me and My Bucket

Sharing Ideas Wednesday @ Trendy Treehouse

Giveaway Reminder--Noah's Inspirations

2010-02-27T14:09:00.009-06:00

Don't forget to visit HERE to enter for a chance to win a Noah's Inspirations Onesie!!!

What is Noah's Inspirations? 100% organic baby apparel that comes with a ONE FOR ONE PROMISE!! Meaning, for every 100% organic baby onesie or T-shirt purchased, they will DONATE a onesie or T-shirt to a baby in need!!

Please go HERE for your chance to win!! Winner will be announced on Monday, March 1st.

Collaboration

2010-02-24T19:58:00.003-06:00

We are prepping the ground for this year's "Square Foot Garden." (More on that later!) Therefore, we have plenty of mud patches, shovels, etc out in the yard.

Barnum, although he had his Buzz Light Year gloves on and everything, was having difficulty working the ground to his pleasing. Bailey was headed over to investigate.

Bailey, "What in the heck, Bubba? That IS NOT how you do it! Let me do it before you ruin it."

"Move over! I'm going to show you," says Bailey. Barnum crosses his arms, pouts and then whoops and hollers, "GET OUTTA HERE YOU'RE MESSING UP MY STUFF!!!"

Bailey throws his arms up. "You are IMPOSSIBLE to WORK with! If you would JUST LISTEN to ME you WOULD UNDERSTAND! Then THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN!!"

Listen to your Mama boys!! Love your neighbor as yourself. Your "first neighbors" are your FAMILY. Don't save your worst for them because you know they aren't going anywhere! Love them the BEST because God made them the very closest to YOU!!

Chandelier BEFORE & AFTER

2010-02-21T21:36:00.009-06:00

Although there wasn't a thingy wrong with this chandelier, it has spent the last 4 years up in the attic. It was originally located in our "Formal Dining Room." However, as the parents of two young'ens, we don't have the luxury of "Formal Dining." Our "Formal Dining Room" houses brightly colored plastic, metal cars, figurines, trains, etc, and therefore needed a circulating fan!!

Thankfully, all of the inspiration out there in bloggy land has encouraged me to make something of this chandelier and find a place for it! "Repurpose" or "Upcycle" are the words these uber talented ladies use! So here is the Before:

Nothing wrong! Just a little "heavier" than what I was going for in our entryway.

Step 1: I hosed it down with two coats of RustOleum's American Accents in Blossom White and wrapped a pearl garland (thank you wedding aisle at Michael's) around each "arm?" I am undecided re: the pearls! Please vote in the poll on the right hand side of the blog!!

Step 2: I went out to my husband's tackle box, thieved his fishing line and then strung me up some fancy crystals!! HAHAHA! (Again, thank you to the Michael's. This time, it was the floral aisle!)

Step 3: I super glued my "crystals" on!

Step 4: The chandelier found a new home in the entryway!

Finally, I am not sure about the lack of "lamp shades." I have gotten mixed reviews so please visit the poll to the right of the blog!!

Do you want ideas on how to market your small business? Do you proudly support businesses that offer a One for One Promise for infants in need? Do you love to WIN FREE GIVEAWAYS?? PLEASE check out this SPOTLIGHT Link Featuring Noah's Inspirations!!

Because I L-O-V-E the inspiration I find at the following blogs, I will be linking to:

The Diy Show Off's Project Parade

Metamorphosis Monday-Between Naps on the Front Porch

It's So Very Cheri-It's So Very Creative

DIY Day- A Soft Place to Land

Chocolate Coconut What????

2010-02-17T22:44:00.008-06:00

Photo courtesy of Hershey's

Tonight, February 17, 2010, I was introduced to my new obsession. I L-O-V-E these droplets of heaven!! I love these even more than I love THESE!!!

My friend Jules busted these out at Book club and I couldn't be more grateful!! She stumbled upon them at Target. According to Slashfood they made their debut in 2006!! huh?? FOUR YEARS LATER???!!

Better LATE than NEVER!! I am dreaming of a chocolate coconut cream pie.....

to be continued....

Pottery Barn Knock-off--THANK YOU Knock off Wood!!

2010-02-13T20:28:00.017-06:00

Here was our inspiration:

(photo via Pottery Barn and current price tag=$349)

Thanks to the lovely Ana, at Knock off Wood, The Strong Man was able to create it!!

If you are not familiar with Knock off Wood, PLEASE head over there!! Ana VERY GENEROUSLY provides a bevy of plans and helpful hints so that those of us without the ability or desire to order directly from Pottery Barn, Land of Nod, Williams-Sonoma Home, etc can STILL front like we do!! WOOOOOO-HOOOOOO!!!

I was the Manager on Duty responsible for chronicling every step of the process. The Strong Man was in charge of manual labor. Every time we had a meeting to discuss our roles, he would turn red, grit his teeth and mumble something about an impossible woman. Thankfully, all turned out well.

Here it goes:

1. Marking the cuts. (PLEASE NOTE!! Ana supplies ALL the info you would need to have Lowe's or Home Depot make these cuts for you!! Don't be overwhelmed!)

2. We have our pieces!!

3. A random pic of supplies. HOWEVER, note the bottom right corner!! Those are a page of Ana's plans!!

4. Houston, we have assembly!! Gorilla Glue...I heart you!! (and Gorilla tape, epoxy and so on and so forth!!)

5. Houston, we have UPRIGHT assembly!! (Don't be judging my garage!!)

6. The Strong Man added a little something extra to our "Recycle Center!!" He routed out the top!! I love the extra touch it gives it!!

7. We opted for the slide out drawers verses the tilt out doors. Here is a pic of the hardware.

8. FINALLY, the finished product!! Unfortunately, I don't have a staging studio with expensive lighting and cameras! My older than dirt camera DOESN'T do it justice!!!

9. For the paint job, we opted for KRYLON Indoor/Outdoor Black in a satin finish. ONLY because Hob Lob had only ONE CAN of Rustoleum's Canyon Black. Now, I know the sisters at Shanty2Chic (whom I LOVE!!) go on and on about Rustoleum's Canyon Black. However, KRYLON did NOT LET ME DOWN!! Not to mention, it has a super cool "EZ TOUCH 360 Dial" that TRULY adjusts to any angle!! (NO I am NOT being paid to say this!! I have a whopping 17 followers!! Nobody pays me to say anything!! It is just an honest product review!!)

After painting, I did take some 80 grit sandpaper and "distress" the edges.

Our final price tag= $65!!!!

As Ana put it, "Trash never looked so good!!" A HUGE THANK YOU to Ana for providing the plans and to The Strong Man for doing my bidding!!

Dear Strong Man,

You did an INCREDIBLE JOB and I LOVE IT!!! THANK YOU!!!

Love,

The Bearded Lady

Altered Canvas

2010-02-12T17:43:00.004-06:00

I am entering these projects in the "Inspire Me" challenge at Organized Chaos. It is hilarious that she is the one that "Inspired Me" to do them!! Hahahahaha! Check out her originals here!

I made these altered canvases for some dear little ones!!

I painted 16x20 canvases with a base color and then mod podged layers of patterned scrapbook paper for matting pictures or in one case Bible verses. I cut out the names with the Cricut Calligraphy Cartridge (inspiration & inspiration blackout) and the various shapes and sizes of stars with the Plantin Schoolbook cart. I also wrapped grosgrain ribbon around the canvases where the papers met.

To achieve a 3D look, each individual piece was mod podged prior to being mod podged down to the canvas! If that makes sense??!! I curled the ends of the stars with a pencil for more pop.

These were a lot of fun to work on!!

Valentine's Day Craft & more FREE printables!

2010-02-10T09:55:00.007-06:00

Last Friday, Barnum, his sweet friend Aubrey (who he still calls Eva-from Wall-E?? WHY? WHY does he do this??), my lovely niece and I got our craft on!! Bailey and his sweet friend Bethany were napping!!

Brenna and I turned Barnum and Aubrey loose with the paint. (COLOR WONDER paint of course!!)

They came up with some GREAT stuff! Why don't I have pictures of them painting? Because you don't have free hands when preschoolers are painting!! (Color Wonder or not!! Helper or not!!)

Upon finishing their artwork, Barnum and Aubrey received chocolate, popcorn and a movie!! While they were occupied, Brenna took their artwork and transformed it into little candy covers!!!

I used the cricky to whip up some simple Valentine's Day boxes and ......

We got these!!!

Notice Brenna's box on the left. Her candy is adorned with these lovely FREE Printables from Erin Schlosser designs!! Erin's project was the brain power behind my project with Barnum and Aubrey.

(Photo courtesy of Schlosser Designs Blog)

Please head over to her blog and let her inspire an adorable DIY Valentine's Project for yourself!!

Photo courtesy of (Schlosser Designs Blog)

She very generously gives you everything you need!! Not to mention, her shop is full of much, MUCH more!!!

CARAMEL??!! Free Printables!!

2010-02-06T21:05:00.005-06:00

It was a HUGE newsflash to me when I heard the news!

Did you know that you could turn cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk into CARAMEL??? You can cook it into a caramel drizzling sauce, dipping sauce or SPREAD!!!!

One of my FAVORITE blogs, This Crazy Life-Michelle Underwood Designs, gives all the deets!! Not only does she give details on preparation, she graciously gives FREE PRINTABLES to doll your caramel sauces up for gifting!!!

Here are a few of her finished products:

Here are pictures of her ADORABLE free printables!!:

(Yes it says "CHRISTMAS," however, the red and white labels are PERFECT for the little holiday we have coming up in 1 WEEK!!!)

Please head over to This Crazy Life-Michelle Underwood Designs! Get yourselves some cuteness and tell her THANK YOU!!!

Get Your HEART on!!

2010-02-01T21:49:00.004-06:00

How fun!! A website where you can make your own conversation hearts!! Visit here to customize yours!!

Cinnamon Cheesecake Muffins

2010-01-30T20:12:00.009-06:00

HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS!!!!

I semi-homemade the most heavenly dessert Ever, EVER!!

My inspiration came from my favorite local bakery, Rao's. I Love, LoVe, LOVE their strawberry cheesecake muffins. They have these scrumptious little cream cheese "bits" inside of them that make you want to jump up and slap your mama!! (That is for you, Christine!!)

As I was formulating my dinner plan, I began to crave one of those little darlins. However, I also began to crave one of my other faves, Krusteaz Cinnamon Crumb Cake. I thought to myself, I wish Rao's had a cinnamon cream cheese muffin. WAIT A MINUTE!! I could MAKE a dozen cinnamon cream cheese muffins for the price of ONE!!

So I gathered my supplies:
Krusteaz Cinnamon Crumb Cake Mix
1 Egg
2/3 cup of water
Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese (Cheesecake flavor NOT their new cheesecake filling tub!)
Leftover Christmas Muffin Tin Liners
12 count Muffin tin

I followed the directions for mixing "muffins" on the back of the Krusteaz box.

When it came time for layering, I just added three little "bits" of the cheesecake flavored cream cheese. Here is layer 1:

The layer 2 picture is no where to be found! Trust me though....it looked good! Each muffin cup had two layers for a total of SIX cream cheese "bits."

13 minutes later:

WARM, BUBBLY, CINNAMON CHEESECAKE HEAVEN!!!

1 dozen muffins= $3.00

The Strong Man, Barnum and Bailey ALL gobbled them down!! It was a Red Letter Day for me!! There is NEVER unanimous agreement in this Circus!!

Please try this recipe out for yourselves and let me know what you think!!

I am linking this up to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday!! Please go and check her out!

Gingerbread Choo Choo Train

2010-01-28T22:09:00.003-06:00

Look what we did!!!

A Moment of Peace

2010-01-26T21:24:00.004-06:00

Someone PuhLEASE tell me what I was thinking!! WHAT ON EARTH was I thinking?

I gave the boys CHOCOLATE ice cream cones to keep them quiet so I could check my Google Reader. After about three minutes of stone silence, my "holysmokesitisstrangelyquietwhatcouldtheybedoing" mommy sense went off.

"Boys, you guys aren't being messy are you?" I asked. Barnum replied, "NO, I'm not! Brother kind of is though."

Barnum's statement completely confirmed my panic so I ran into the living room. As I turned the corner, I found this:

WHY was he rubbing his ice cream cone ON HIS TOES????

Bailey, "I SEE, I SEE ME!!" He wanted to see his picture on the camera.

"HA HA HA HA, I durdy," Bailey told me.

What a cute, dirty little PUNK!!!

Lesson learned. As the mother of a 4 and 2 year old, I don't have the privilege of checking my email or Google Reader during waking hours. I also don't have the sense to come in out of the rain.

WHY ON EARTH WOULD I GIVE THEM CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM CONES?? (The answer: because they asked!)

Meet Stellaria Media

2010-01-22T21:31:00.006-06:00

Nothing says "I love You" like the gift of fresh flowers!

Imagine my surprise and delight when today, I was the proud recipient of this arrangement! YUP! I was chosen by the four little darlins I was chaperoning today to receive this delightful gift.

Is it the promise of blooms in this arrangement that thrilled my heart so? I think not! It was the bloom in the hearts of the youngins' that gave them to me! The bloom of initiating love, kindness, giving, and selflessness.

Through this gift of love, I was reminded that the context of a situation and the heart motive behind it means everything! A heart motive can make the most beautiful person ugly and the ugliest person the most beautiful.

Because you see my friends, Stellaria Media is nothing more than a common weed. A common weed that was beautiful to me because of the pure loving intent behind it!

Altered Silver Tin Mailboxes

2010-01-21T15:06:00.007-06:00

Catching the Love Bug....

While at Target last year, I scored some silver tin mailboxes out of the dollar bin. Fast Forward to a year later when I actually carved out some time to do something with them!!

I used paper from K & Company and The Doodlecharms cartridge on my cricut to personalize them. I have to apologize for the camera phone photos. I cannot find the camera charger anywhere and it is DEAD!! Won't even turn on!

My original plan was to Modge Podge the paper to the tins as I was instructed in my "altered tin" course at our local library! HAHAHAHA. I know you readers out there are thinking what a dork fest but it was F-U-N!! Thankfully, my friend Lori got a hold of me before I started and turned me on to the world's bestest stuff EVAH!!! Terrifically Tacky Tape! It worked like a charm! I just cut the paper to size, terrifically tackied it and VIOLA!!! (yes, I know I wrote VIOLA instead of VOILA!!)

It seems that I am not the only one into these little mailboxes this year!! Check out Organized Chaos and Make and Takes versions!

For those of you I know who are obsessed with pink, word on the bloggy street is that Target has PINK tin mailboxes this year!! If not, follow Kami's advice (from Make and Takes) and spritz on a little spray paint in pink OR the color of your choice!

Now, what to fill them with??

Even though it was a very small transformation, it was still a transformation! Therefore, I linked it up with Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage! Please go and check out all of the talent!! This weekly McLinky party will BLOW your MIND and INSPIRE!!! There is a TON of talent!

Random Questions about Rain

2010-01-16T10:19:00.004-06:00

photo courtesy of www.i.pbase.com

Barnum: "Why are the clouds so dark?"

The Strong Man: "Well, they get dark before it rains. It is about to rain."

Barnum: "Daddy? Is there pee in rain?"

The Strong Man: "No. There isn't any pee in rain. It is just water."

Barnum: "Where does rain come from? How do the clouds get rain? When I am in the bathtub and I pull the drain then the water goes out and into the clouds?"

The Strong Man: "Well, yes. It is kinda like that."

Barnum: "OK. Then there IS pee in rain."

2 and a Powdered Donut Tower!!

2010-01-13T09:39:00.008-06:00

Mother of the Year here, reporting on Bailey's 2nd Birthday. His Birthday which occurred on December 27th. Boo, I love you more than words! Please forgive your mommy for being late with your special Birthday Blog Post!

Although Bailey got the shaft on his Birthday Blog Post, he DID NOT get the shaft on his birthday!! In fact, he had TWO parties!!

Ahhhhhh....The Bliss of being 2!

Chowing down on a special Donut breakfast courtesy of Grammy and Papa! Bailey LOVES him some donut holes!

Great Granny was kind enough to let us throw down at her house!! 12 AWESOME Adults and 9 KRAZY Kids!! We had Taco Soup, Cheese Quesadillas, and French Fries! Oh the RANDOMNESS of a 2 year old's favorite foods!!

Prepare yourselves for what comes next! If you know me at all, you know I have an irrational fear/phobia/hatred/aversion/loathing/repugnance toward red and blue food dye. PLEASE NOTE! I did state that I know it is IRRATIONAL. However, it still controls a part of my life!

Imagine my horror when I picked up the cake that The Strong Man ordered for this celebration.

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???!!! You did this to KILL me!!!," I said quietly. ;)

He replied, "I did it because it is fun. You have kids. Kids want to eat fun things. White things aren't fun. It is not about you. Get over it." Oh the wisdom he pours forth.

The Strong Man WAS right. The cake was a hit! Maybe not with Grammy! I mean, just ask her how much fun she had scrubbing red dye out of our clothes all night!! It may have taken her all night but she did it!!

Now on to the second celebration. 9 more AWESOME ADULTS and 10 KRAZY KIDS!

Barnum and Bailey are BESTIES!!

In lieu of the 1st celebration's cake and my husband's declaration that white food isn't fun, I thunk and I thunk about how I would come up with a super fun dessert sans red and blue food dye.

It hit me. A Flash of Genius. POWDERED DONUTS!!!

I gathered some cupcake wrappers, a bag of powdered donuts, some handmade pics I had my assistant make and a cupcake tower.

VIOLA!!!

It was a little unsteady and the burning candle fell off and almost burned my BIL and SIL's house to the ground. However, we are folks who can roll with the punches!!

Now you tell me....is white food fun or unfun??

Happy 2010

2010-01-07T22:21:00.005-06:00

Our "New Year's Day" was "Christmas Day" with The Strong Man's side. These 3 Musketeers are getting ready to tear into that pile of presents behind them!

Here, the casual observer would miss the cleverness of these glasses. However, my readers are MUCH more than casual observers....RIGHT??

I adapted this idea from the very clever Make and Takes website. Please go and check them out!

The BEST and WORST of 2009!!

2009-12-31T12:09:00.011-06:00

Wholly Guacamole!! WHERE did the time go??

I had a lot of fun compiling this year's BEST and WORST!! It was a very sweet and great reminder of all of our blessings! I am STUMPED that Barnum and Bailey have grown so much!! Especially compared to last year's BEST and WORST post!!

In keeping with tradition, I will begin with the WORST of what we endured this year! Mainly on the medical side but Praise the Lord it wasn't much!

Barnum's Doggy Door entry gone bad!

Barnum's Broken Collarbone!!

Bailey's Oral Surgery! (If you think your child has teeth problems...CONTACT ME!! My babies start going to the dentist the second I see their teeth under the surface! Upon discovering Barnum's difficulties, I lost LOTS and LOTS of sleep and shed MANY, MANY tears. I was confiding to my sister in law who replied, "If you are going to get this upset over some baby teeth, you have a LONG 18 years ahead of you." She was SOOOOO right!! Seriously, I've been there...email me!!

Bailey's SECOND surgery!! PE Tube placement. Clearly, he enjoys the effects of anesthesia.

Barnum's Adenoid & Tonsillectomy which involved complications and a 3 night, 4 day hospital stay!! SOOOO NOT FUN! However, he is now doing VERY well! His moderate hearing loss and sleep apnea are MARKEDLY improved!! NO REGRETS!!

Poor little Boo was on constant O2!

Lastly, Bailey losing the fight with a cupcake in the back seat!

Now entering the BEST of 2009! We had an incredible year!

A Buzz and Woody for EVERYONE! (Currently, however, One Buzz has had a wing amputated, the other is missing all of his stickers and an arm, one Woody is a bilateral foot amputee and hand amputee and the other is missing his Sheriff's badge. The Strong Man constantly assures Barnum and Bailey that these toys can still live a full life.)

Our 1st garden! It was a GARDEN OF PLENTY too!! We are looking forward to next year's!!

Mommy and Barnum's last minute SUPER, SURPRISE TRIP to SIX FLAGS in DALLAS!! We got to have an A-W-E-S-O-M-E time with our cousins!

Summer fun in the fountains!

A FIRST, second, third and so on and so forth Trip to THE MOVIES!! Taking your munchkin to the movies is the MOSTESS FUN EVER!!! It is seriously one of my favorite things!!

Bailey being CAPTAIN of the SHIP!

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND in ME!!

Fun at the Museum!! Where are you Children's Museum?? We MISS YOU!!

Welcoming the UNBELIEVABLE blessing of Family to town!! We gained another Aunt and Uncle, three cousins and GRANDPARENTS!!

Reeling 'em in!! I kid you not, we went through FOUR fishing poles. Papa, we need new sturdy fishing poles!! And YOU and GRAMMY to come fish with us!!

The Summer of Gobbles. (Barnum's words, not mine!)

The Bearded Lady was the lucky recipient of a last minute ticket to U2!! It totally ROCKED!! And I mean ROCKED!!! From this point forth, I will never miss them when they come to town!!

A New Church for Mother's Day Out!! It is going great and we are SUPER Thankful for our LOVING teachers!!

Horseback riding lessons on Lilly!!

Free junk food at Fall Festivals!

Turning FOUR! Where did my baby go??

SANTA!!

Turning TWO! Seriously!! Where did my BABY GO???

Loving Powdered Donuts when you turn TWO!!

Lastly, these two gentlemen, The Strong Man and I would like to wish you a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2010, We're Ready for you!!

BTW, how will we be abbreviating 2010? 10? 010? Get back to me on that!!

A How to guide for Christmas Cookies

2009-12-31T09:34:00.007-06:00

A How to Guide for Christmas Cookies (with a 4 year old and a 10 days away from being a two year old!)

STRIP 'em down to their skivvies!
Provide Already baked, Pillsbury Ready Bake Sugar Cookies; Pillsbury Easy Frost; and sprinkles and candies of their choice!
Let 'em go!

Here is Bailey enjoying the process. Actually, I think he is screaming for more icing on his fingers!!

Bailey's Masterpieces:

Barnum is cheesing it up for the camera while showing off his edible art.

A close-up of Barnum's masterpieces:

The Aftermath:

Whatever you do, let your littles decorate AND EAT (until they make themselves sick!) Christmas Cookies EVERY YEAR!!

Dinner Outta da Box

2009-12-29T21:22:00.005-06:00

TYOHC is almost over and I promise to reveal pics of all that I made. Not because it is awe-inspiring or jaw dropping but so you can see what I have been doing for the past 3 weeks!!

We will be having "Christmas Eve & Christmas" with The Strong Man's family on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. After that....a total reveal!!

Meanwhile, our circus has been quite busy! Travels, A White and FREEZING COLD Christmas, Family, a Birthday Party!! (My Bailey has turned 2!) and more Travels. The only meal we could return home to was a box of Annie's Macaroni and Cheese!

Barnum was over the moon that he was allowed to be Chef while Mommy was downgraded to Sioux Chef.

Just look at him go!!

Does it speak to his culinary skills or my lazy skills that the poor lad can fix himself a box of Macaroni and Cheese?

Is there a New Year's Resolution to be had?

Accordion Box and Herb Gardens

2009-12-17T22:05:00.011-06:00

THANK YOU Organized Chaos!!

This has been THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER and I have only gotten ONE gift!!

This AWESOME Accordion Gift Purse and stunning Rosemary Christmas tree!! How clever is The CEO? VERY!! She filled the gift purse with ROSEMARY RECIPES!!

(This photo courtesy of FTD.com)

This gift was wonderfully creative and made me SO happy I had to share the LOVE!! Organized Chaos linked to TWO great tutorials to make these Accordion Gift Purses happen. Stampin Inspirations and Wendy Smedley's Blog.

Here is my version of the Accordion Gift Purse. I used my very favorite "GRACE" paper from Close to My Heart.

Notice how mine looks more like a box?? That is because I cannot read directions and missed the steps for the purse handle. Thankfully, it could still do the job for which it was intended.

I was BEYOND excited to share the love of a Rosemary tree and recipe holder. I made my two accordion gift holders and then loaded up Barnum and Bailey to hit the local greenhouse, Plants for All Seasons. The GO TO Greenhouse in our neck of the woods!!

We strolled in, asked where we could find the Rosemary Christmas Trees and headed that way. They had a gorgeous line up of all sizes!! Unfortunately, they started at $30 and I only had $10!! Ten Smackareenos for TWO Rosemary Christmas trees. My Christmas Cheer was sucked right out of me!! I CAN'T spend $60! This is TYOHC!! (The Year of Handmade Christmas)

The sales lady was extremely understanding and helpful. She whipped up these two herb gardens ("with a hearty, winter flowering plant!" :) I got the biggest chuckle out of her saying that!!) in two seconds and I ended up spending $10! ( I had the clay pots and potting soil at home)

I used the cricut to bust out some mini plant markers and then hit my two favorite cooking sites Food Network and The Pioneer Woman Cooks for Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme recipes. If you are interested in the 3 x 5 recipe cards I placed in the holder please just shoot me an email. I'll be happy to pass those along. It will save you a good TWO HOURS!!!

Now imagine big red bows tied around the clay pots!!

I didn't take a picture of the finished products!! SORRY!

Although my dreams of sharing the love of a Rosemary Christmas tree came to a screeching halt, I was still pleased with the Teacher gifts and pleased to share an economical gift idea!

Once again...THANK YOU ORGANIZED CHAOS, STAMPIN INSPIRATIONS and WENDY SMEDLEY!! Please go and check these ladies out!

Photo Tile Coasters

2009-12-14T22:44:00.009-06:00

2009, the year of "Handmade Christmas." I am sure those receiving gifts from me are thrilled by this announcement! HA HA! Just because it is the year of "Handmade Christmas" doesn't mean it is the year of LAME-O Christmas.

Because I highly suspect not to find Barnum and Bailey's Great-Grandparent's cruising this blog, I feel comfortable in posting their gift all over it. Not that Great-Grandparent's CAN'T cruise the web. These particular folks just don't. However, that doesn't stop their Great-Aunt Mary! I know you're out there!! :) (83 years old in case you were wondering!!)

I got the idea for these photo coasters from The Graphics Fairy's awesome tutorial! She is an uber talented and uber generous blogger!! Please go and check out her sites!! The Graphics Fairy and The Background Fairy!

I am going to show you a summary of the process but PLEASE let her tell you how to do it!! She does a great job!!

I designed (OK!! The Strong Man) designed our pictures in Microsoft Publisher. Then they were printed on a LASER (MUST BE LASER) printer. Next, I gave them 3 coats of OMNI-GEL Transfer and let those dry. They were cut to scale and here they are soaking in water.

Unfortunately, I used SUPER DUPER THICK HIGH GRADE paper and was forced into a million SERIES of soaking and rolling! After a month, I ended up with these:

The Omni-Gel Transfer BLOWS MY MIND!! It is such amazing stuff!! I ended up with perfectly transferred images!! Finally, I just lined up all of my coasters, sponge brushed a little Omini-Gel onto the coaster and the back of the image and glued them down!!

This one is still a little wet but you can get the idea!

Love it or Lame??

Breakfast with Santa-2009

2009-12-13T22:09:00.005-06:00

Breakfast with Santa at The Downtown Aquarium was AWESOME this year!! They really go ALL out!

We had a G-R-E-A-T family day filled with lots of food, laughs, joy, fishes and Christmas cheer!

A Shark Tale

Snorkeling Santa

ROTFL!!!!

Joining in all the Reindeer Games:

I went into this year's Breakfast with Santa with NO EXPECTATIONS. (Trying to make that my new mantra! "NO EXPECTATIONS, NO EXPECTATIONS") I didn't expect Bailey to dig Santa AT ALL. However, he surprised me! When he heard Santa's jingle bells, he tracked him down and tried to shove the two little girls in their pristine Christmas dresses off of his lap so that he could hop up.

Until next year, Sharkey!!

Just Desserts

2009-12-06T21:06:00.008-06:00

While in California, I abandoned all hope of calorie counting and INDULGED! When I stumbled upon this little gem, I HAD to go in. Besides, there is someone VERY near and dear to me named Kara. It would have been just plain rude not to investigate!

The little shop was ADORABLE!! Neat little darlings all in a row!

The best part...they had MINIS!!! This way, I could buy the 3 I was DYING to try and not feel too terrible in regards to my wallet or waistline!! My picks: Raspberry Dazzle, Chocolate Coconut, and Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Ganache.

(Kara's Cupcake photos courtesy of www.uncorked29.com)

Little did I know that about 2 seconds down the block were THESE GUYS!!!

SPRINKLES! Of course I had to pay homage to my little strawberry darlings!!

(Sprinkles pics courtesy of www.sprinkles.com)

AND Peanut Butter Chocolate AND Chocolate Peppermint TWIST. OUT OF CONTROL!!! My justification to The Strong Man regarding these purchases was: it has been OVER TWO years since I had one!! AND I was pregnant, paralyzed and unable to TASTE anything!! He rolled his eyes and offered no sympathy BUT did allow the purchases!!

We carried on our merry way and ended up at The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. We decided on taking dessert home. The Strong Man suggested Stephanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake. I curled my nose up and said, "whatever." I do not care for Red Velvet cake and I had an arsenal of cupcakes waiting for me in the car.

We get back to the hotel, order up our "Still in Theatres" movie and sit down with dessert. First bite for me, Kara's Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Ganache. The cupcake was too chocolaty but the Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Ganache Icing was HEAVEN. Second bite, Kara's Raspberry Dazzle. Unfortunately, it was a dud. Yuck on my tongue. Booooo. Third bite, Kara's Chocolate Cupcake with Coconut Cream Cheese Icing. I thought it was ok! Fourth bite, Sprinkles Peanut Butter Chocolate. The cupcake was great (minus the chocolate chips) the icing was not so great! Fifth bite, Sprinkles Chocolate Peppermint Twist. Yuck on my tongue. AGAIN! Boooo. It was ok I thought, I saved the best for last.....Sprinkles Strawberry cupcake. So I thought!! I wasn't as W-O-W-E-D as I remembered being!!

I was SUPER bummed because I just knew I would have been in cupcake heaven! The Strong Man was SUPER bummed because he shelled out $15 bucks for NOTHING and our coffee table looked like a war scene. However, he is a considerate one. He offered me a bite of his Red Velvet Cheesecake. I reluctantly agreed and then ALMOST DIED. Ya'll...I ALMOST DIED. It was SOOOOOOOOO AWESOME!!

It has completely changed the way I view Red Velvet Cake!! Well, it has completely changed the way I view The Cheesecake Factory's Red Velvet Cake! Remember, I said he was a considerate one and he shared the rest with me! Actually, I don't know if it was consideration or the fact that it is humanly impossible to finish a piece of this cake in one sitting!!

Yum, yum go get ya some!!

As far as cupcakes go...I'll be sticking with these:

Betty Crocker's Triple Chocolate Fudge and my sister-in-law's KILLER homemade vanilla buttercream!! Much more budget friendly!

Birthday Bliss-Posted a Little Late!

2009-12-04T14:14:00.005-06:00

I am Last Minute Lucy with EVERYTHING!! Therefore, these birthday treats for Barnum's MDO class aren't quite up to the standard I had in my head. However, I wanted to post them in the event another Last Minute Lucy needed some hope!

Here is the ingredient list pictured at 11 PM the night before Barnum's 4th Birthday:

Here is what they made:

These treat toppers were obviously BEFORE I figured out the CENTERPOINT function on my cricut!! I had envisioned a super fun background shape, border shape and sentiment. (Last Minute Lucy learns a lesson!) Barnum could have cared less. He was THRILLED that he was taking special treats to his class and even MORE THRILLED that Buzz and Woody were gracing the tops of them!!

Next up...Last Minute Lucy Makes a No Bake Birthday Cake in 30 minutes!

Here are the pans used for the layers:

That is right!! Random, around the house pans!

Here, is the MAJOR mistake Last Minute Lucy made:

Last Minute Lucy tripled the normal Rice Krispy Treat recipe. LEARN FROM HER MISTAKE!!! You will have a stock pot 1/3 full of burning marshmallows and butter, 1/3 full of perfectly melted marshmallows and 1/3 full of regular consistency marshmallows that have no hope of melting!

Therefore, you have a HUMONGOUS mess and rice krispy treats that are not evenly coated! Guess what? Last Minute Lucy didn't have time to do anything about it!! Therefore, she was forced to deal with a mediocre No Bake Cake!

The Result:

Luckily for Last Minute Lucy, Barnum and the rest of the fam aren't harsh judges on appearance. At least not out loud!!

Even more luckily for Last Minute Lucy, they ARE harsh judges on taste factor, and devoured every last bite!

EXCEPT for the one who was the driving force behind all of the Last Minute Lucy Insanity:

All he wanted to eat were the Yummo Cake Pops made by The Costume Designer and the Blue Vanilla Ice Cream made by The Puppet Master!!

Thanksgiving was GREAT and Christmas Came EARLY!!

2009-12-03T11:21:00.007-06:00

Finally, here are a few pics from Thanksgiving 2009!

Here is our BEEEEEAAAYOOOUTIFUL tablescape designed by one of our sweet guests and comprised of our Grandmother's china.

Placecards are compliments of....Moi!! ALL 22 of them!!!

Last but not least....GUITAR HEROES!!

I apologize for being a week late in posting our Thanksgiving! The Strong Man and I were given a last minute business trip/VACATION to California!! It couldn't have come at a better time!

Winner, winner PIZZA dinner!!

2009-11-23T16:06:00.003-06:00

All of my time spent wrestling Barnum and Bailey in the Kitchen has PAID OFF!!! Thank you Woodlands Mommy!!!

A Pleasant Surprise!! Cake Pops!!

2009-11-22T20:43:00.006-06:00

A step by step guide to YUMMINESS!!!! The idea was inspired by Bakerella and executed by our very own Costume Designer! I was pleasantly surprised by these last Friday night as a Birthday Treat! Knowing I would want to share the love, she also documented the steps for me!!

Step 1: Two Vanilla Sheet cakes

Step 2: Crumble Vanilla Cakes into a large bowl and mix with Rich and Creamy CHEESECAKE Frosting. It MUST be cheesecake!! The icing is what made them extra spectacular!!

Step 3: Form this newly made concoction into bite size balls and stick onto the end of a lollipop stick.

Step 4: Dip into melted white almond bark, roll in colored sanding sugar and stick into Styrofoam to dry

Step 5: Hot glue coordinating ribbon around a clay pot filled with flora foam

Step 6: Tie a Pretty Bow

Step 7: Arrange Cake Pops like a lovely bouquet of flowers!!

Aren't these LOVELY????!!!!!!

I was very surprised and VERY HAPPY to have these as my Birthday Cake this year! They were made with a lot of work, creativity and mostly love. Thank you for making my 32nd Birthday VERY SPECIAL!!!!

Barnum's Birthday Breakfast

2009-11-18T11:50:00.006-06:00

Our Circus Fare feature this week is da da da daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...

A Four Year Old's Special Birthday Breakfast!!!

Barnum requested heart shaped pancakes and milk for the first meal of his Birthday!

Barnum proudly displaying the ingredient list: Organic Batter Blaster (WORTH THE MONEY!!) and sweet creamy buttah. (The Lemonade, which is complete heaven, was for Mom and Dad.)

Any self respecting fan of Paula Deen knows that to get the Pancake Party started you better be tossing in the buttah.

It is SHOW time!!

In the following picture, my Pancake Molding Dreams FINALLY came true!! THE BATTER STAYED WITHIN THE MOLD!!! After various types of batter dispensers and 6 LOOOOOOOOOONG years of trying to pull off what Martha Stewart and Williams-Sonoma would have you believe "just happens," it happened; the batter stayed within the MOLD!! All thanks to the BATTER BLASTER!! I LOVE YOU BATTER BLASTER!!!

THEN!!! I removed the mold and flipped the pancake and all hell broke loose!!

The Strong Man hears me screaming in defeat, comes in to rescue and delivers THIS:

The Strong Man knows no limits. If I have said it once, I have said it 90000000 MILLION times, there is no justice in this WORLD!!!

Finally and most importantly, here is the sweetest Birthday Boy in the World proudly displaying his custom Birthday shirt featuring Buzz and Woody. (Per his request). Readers, any guesses on who made the shirt?

Barnum,

Always know that you are very, VERY loved. You are deeply loved by your imperfect parents but PERFECTLY loved by your Creator. God has B-I-G plans for you. It is my prayer that you will be obedient to Him and always give thanks for His blessings.

God has created you with an amazing personality and wittiness. You keep me laughing and constantly on my toes. You are precious in His sight and mine.

You are and will forever be my Googaly Boy!

Love,

Mommy

32

2009-11-16T21:50:00.004-06:00

32 years old TODAY!! If my first 32 years have taught me anything it is that I still have a LOT to learn!! Learning is so So SO hard!!! He never said it would be easy though, did He?

I have recently been a part of an amazing study where we have gone word for word through The New Testament Book of ACTS. Our group definitely uncovered some INCREDIBLE life lessons and INCREDIBLY hard self examination questions. I have been specifically moved by chapters 21-28.

Chapters 21-28 are Luke's account of The Apostle Paul's journey to Jerusalem and his subsequent arrest, imprisonment, trials, shipwreck, snake bite, and arrival in Rome. (His first arrival in Rome, not his last.)

Throughout all of it, Paul tirelessly used his talents and gifts to further God's kingdom by preaching the Truth about Jesus. He lived his life in such a way that even the Roman officials took note that it was all about Jesus with Paul. I encourage you to visit these chapters and possibly ask yourself some of these questions; What does it mean to "take heart?," What can I apply to my own life from Paul's example?, What do these chapters tell me about Jesus? What can I apply to my own life from Jesus' example?

I have been batting around these questions and albeit some conviction regarding my answers! Therefore, I thought this would give The Strong Man and I plenty to talk about. Over lunch yesterday, I cornered him and asked, "Beloved, how do you think Paul spent his retirement?"

His answer, "traveling."

Easy Peasy Cheesy Potato Soup

2009-11-08T22:22:00.007-06:00

First of all, please note the juxtaposition of ingredients. You will believe me when I say it was for artistic sake, right?

Here is how today's cooking lesson went. Bailey grabbed ingredients from Barnum, there was screaming, crying and tug of warring involved. They were exiled from the kitchen and then I opened all of the ingredients and dumped them into a single pot!

Despite the events described above, it was VERY palatable!! I hope you agree!

Easy Peasy Cheesy Potato Soup

3 cups of diced potatoes (We used frozen!!)
1/4 cup of chopped onions (Also frozen!)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup of water
1 large jar of cheez whiz
1 cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese
32 oz of chicken broth
1/2 cup of crumbled bacon pieces (optional)
pepper to taste
salt to taste

Place potatoes, onions and broth in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer until veggies are tender. Gradually add milk, cheez whiz and bacon pieces. Cook until thick. Add shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted. Add water if a thinner consistency is desired.

Serve with lots and lots of Saltine crackers!!

Harvest Hoe Down!

2009-11-01T14:55:00.006-06:00

We had INCREDIBLE fun at the annual fundraiser for the Christian Classical School down the street!! If you are not familiar with classical education I encourage you to check out The Well Trained Mind by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer. FASCINATING stuff!!

Here is Bailey, THE ORIGINAL COWBOY!!

Here is his brother, Slim. Claiming that it is COLD. COLD?? We are in Houston, Texas!! It is the end of October and 75 degrees!! YOU ARE SO NOT COLD!!!

First stop, COOKIE BREAK!!

Next stop, Horse training.

Off to find The Candy in The Haystack! Barnum actually dove in!! It was little brother who was a little standoffish. It must have been Opposite Day!!

They actually had to throw the candy right in front of Bailey!! He refused to touch the hay or dig for it!!

OH YES WE DID!! We turned this Mad Man loose on the MECHANICAL BULL!!! You know what??? HE DIDN'T FALL OFF!!! Is there Rodeo in his future??

MORE COOKIES!!!

Here was the highlight of Barnum's night. The ZORB ball or "Texas Tumbleweed" as they were calling it! He has asked for one every day since!!! We all know how much hamsters love them...who knew it would be the same for little kids!!

Accordion Albums

2009-10-28T20:08:00.006-05:00

Here are some pics of two Accordion Albums I made some time ago for two little munchkins on their First Birthday. I made EVERY Page!! Built the suckers from the ground up!! I have since then come to my senses and vow to PURCHASE Accordion Albums from this point forward. But at least I KNOW it can be done!!

Circus Fare--Beef Lo Mein

2009-10-25T22:09:00.008-05:00

Please let me know how we went from, The World's Easiest Popcorn Balls to Beef Lo Mein?? Beef Lo Mein! That is what we tackled today!!

Rule #1: WASH UP!!!

Tossing in the "little trees."

Eating the yellow bell pepper!

Cooking up the noodles.

Making a joyful noise in the kitchen!! ;)

Straight outta the garden ya'll!!

Adding Secret Ingredient #1

Mincing the garlic.

Adding Secret Ingredient #2!

Loving what they made, yet not eating enough to earn a dessert. I know, I know....mean ole mama!!

Family Fun Magazine's Beef Lo Mein with a few Bearded Lady Twists!!

Ingredients
8 ounces thin spaghetti, broken in half
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil (I used 2)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups chopped broccoli (I also added 1 yellow bell pepper)
1 1/2 cups sliced onion
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger (COMPLETELY OMITTED! Ginger offends me.)
4 garlic cloves, minced (6 garlic cloves, minced!!)
12 ounces sirloin tips, cut crosswise into thin strips
3 tablespoons beef broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar (3 tablespoons of brown sugar!!)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (COMPLETELY OMITTED!! Oysters are even MORE offending!)

Instructions
Stir the spaghetti into a pot of lightly salted boiling water and cook it according to the package directions. Drain the noodles well, then return them to the pot and toss them with the sesame oil.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and onion and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add Secret Ingredient #1 (2 teaspoons of Tony Cachere's!!) and garlic and continue stirring while the mixture cooks for another 30 seconds. Add the sirloin and cook it, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until it is no longer pink.

In a small bowl, mix the broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Secret Ingredient #2 (a pinch of red pepper flakes!) Add the soy sauce mixture and the pasta to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes or until everything is heated through. Serve the lo mein hot.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Cupcakes in the House!!

2009-10-23T21:58:00.003-05:00

Ohhhhhhh how I NEEEEEEEED this book!!! Ohhhhhhhhh how I HOPE I win this book!! It would make my life so SWEET!! After all, TODAY IS MY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!

Katie, I am after your winning streak!! I will live up to my end of the bargain and ship mini Carter and Pudge cupcakes to your doorstep.

For the rest of you....it is only fair I tell you how YOU TOO could win this FABULOUS Prize. Check out Mini Baker's adorable site!! PLEASE NOTE!!! If you win, you will be in charge of cupcakes for Barnum's Birthday in November and Bailey's Birthday in December!!!

'sup yo?

2009-10-22T08:42:00.002-05:00

Autumn Banner

2009-10-20T22:09:00.008-05:00

14 years ago, I embarked upon my first craft project that would be for public display. A dear friend and I stayed up into the wee hours of the night, eating JELLO Pudding Pops and painting our High School Senior Shirts!! TOOOOO FUN!!

She deemed our little shop, Just a Little Creativity. Therefore, in honor of a super fun memory, any of my craftiness I choose to post will be under the title, A Little Creativity.

DISCLAIMER!!! I am VERY new to organizing, inking, and gluing pieces of paper! I am aware that I have A LOT to learn!! Thankfully, I have Great Teachers!! Here and Here!

Enjoy!!

Circus Fare--Popcorn Balls

2009-10-18T21:22:00.008-05:00

We are starting something new at this here circus! Barnum, Bailey and The Bearded Lady will be cooking it up in the kitchen on Sunday to share with you on Monday!

First off.....The World's Easiest Popcorn Balls!!

Barnum is popping the popcorn and performing QA testing on the Caramel Bits!! (Thank you heaven and Kraft for the Caramel Bits!!)

Yum, yum good!! It is a GO on the Caramel Bits!!

Here, Barnum is carefully considering QA testing on Mommy's finished product.

Barnum PERFORMING QA testing on Mommy's finished product.

Good gracious hallelujah!! They are deemed worthy enough to feed to little brother!!

Why is it sticking to my hands?? I'm not so sure about this!

I LOVE it!! Oh, how I LOVE it!! More, more, more!!!

The World's Easiest Popcorn Balls-courtesy of Grammy

3 regular bags of Orville Redenbacher's Natural, Simply Salted, popcorn-popped

1 11 OZ package of KRAFT Caramel Bits

2 Tablespoons of water

1/2 stick of butter (to use on your hands to form the balls)

Pop all of your popcorn and place in a large mixing bowl. (It may take 2 bowls.)
Melt an 11 OZ package of KRAFT Caramel Bits and 2 Tablespoons of water in a microwave safe bowl. (It took us 2 minutes in the microwave. Be advised...cooking times will vary ;)
Pour melted caramel into bowl of popcorn and stir with a spoon to mix.
Greasey up your hands with the butter and TEST THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CARAMEL!!!! You DO NOT want to start stirring up the caramel and popcorn with your hands unless it has cooled to a bearable temperature. We learned the hard way!! Sorry, Barnum!! Please forgive Mommy!!! (PLEASE note..it wasn't a burn just more of a SHOCK!)
Begin forming popcorn balls to your preferred size and place on wax paper.
Drizzle with extra caramel if desired and let set for 10 minutes to dry.
Gobble them all up or store extras in sandwich bags!

Also, it would be selfish and sinful of me to not share the additional awesomeness I happened upon this morning!! Because I do not desire to be selfish and sinful:

Picky Palate's Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate Caramel Popcorn

Prepare to die a thousand deaths from AWESOMENESS!!!!

Application ACCEPTED!!!

2009-10-17T13:12:00.004-05:00

Many thanks go out to my loyal readers!! Because there was much discussion regarding our failed attempt at rescuing a dog, we are now the proud owners of a DOG!!

A friend told a friend, who told her scrapbook club and (well, you know how it goes!!) about our experience with trying to rescue a dog. A member of said scrapbook club was horrified by our experience and CAME TO OUR RESCUE!!!!

The Scrapbooking Diva very generously GAVE us our sweet Little Ruby!!

Not only did she give us Little Ruby, but she gave us 2 leashes, 3 dog beds, a see through kennel, a bag of toys, a bag of dog food, and 3 bags of treats!!! The Scrapbooking Diva admitted to referring to her three Shih Tzus as "The Nieman Marcus Dogs!!" I cannot believe she was so willing to part with one!!!

I have to admit...Little Ruby has been in our possession for over 3 weeks now!! I have just been bombarded with life and my dream of becoming a paper crafting queen that I haven't updated the blog. My apologies!! Ruby is the SWEETESTand most well behaved dog I have ever owned. She doesn't make a peep (NO barking, growling, grunting!!), she doesn't jump on or off of furniture, she demonstrates an INSANE amount of patience with Barnum and Bailey and she is perfectly housetrained.

WE LOVE OUR RUBY!!!!

On Horseback

2009-09-22T21:09:00.009-05:00

Our newest adventure is horseback riding lessons. Barnum is very excited about being a cowboy and riding a horse like Woody from Toy Story. However, he is NOT excited about his new "Cowboy Hat!"

I kept trying to talk up his "NEW" cowboy hat. I kept telling him how special it was and yada, yada, yada. His reply, "MOMMY! I have seen LOTS of cowboy hats and this IS NOT a cowboy hat!!"

"Ok! The gig is up. But here is the deal...If you want to ride the horse....you will wear the hat."

He chose to ride the horse!!! (OK, he really just got a pony on his first day. Apparently you have to start small.)

He completed all of his exercises and chores and was rewarded with getting to trot and play a game of red light/green light.

Stay tuned to see how this Rhinestone Cowboy makes out!!

National Sewing Month

2009-09-17T21:34:00.008-05:00

In honor of National Sewing Month, a story:

During a conversation with my mother and sister, I stated that I would like a sewing machine for Christmas. My sister strolls over to her closet, grabs down a box and hands it to me. It is a brand new sewing machine!!

Well, I mean it appeared to be a brand new sewing machine because the box had NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, not in NINE years been open. NINE years. (Keep in mind she is the mother of 2 girls, ages NINE and FIVE.)

I excitedly started dreaming up my first project. BAILEY's napmat for Mother's Day Out!! Two months later, I found the PERFECT Napmat tutorial online, bought all the supplies and then.......

I packed up my BRAND NEW SEWING machine, pattern/tutorial/whatever you want to call it, and supplies and drove straight over to my sis-in-laws house. Why?

She's the one that knows how to sew!!! I can't sew a stitch!! What was I thinking??? A NAPMAT??? I should probably start with something basic like...THREADING THE MACHINE or sewing two pieces of fabric together!!

Good decision making on my part because this is how precious it came out!!!:

Bailey LOVES it!! He lays right down and goes straight to sleep....from what I hear!!!

APPLICATION DENIED

2009-09-13T22:38:00.007-05:00

I'm sorry to report that our Circus Spectacular FAILED the interview at Houston Shaggy Dog Rescue. F-A-I-L-E-D.

It took me MONTHS to talk The Strong Man into getting a dog. Then it took MONTHS to locate a dog that met his specifications on Petfinder.com. (His SPECS include: house trained, low-shedding & low-maintenance coat, doesn't bark and is no more than 30 lbs. You know, something straight out of Hitler's regime.)

I locate such dog. I fill out the online application. I buy Barnum and Bailey each a squeaky toy to play and interact with the puppy on "Visitation Day." The Strong Man takes off of work and we drive an hour to the Rescue to meet said dog.

I am by no means naive to the fact that I am the mother of two young boys. YOUNG BOYS=LIVELINESS, MISCHIEVOUSNESS, ROUGHNESS. However!!!!, Barnum and Bailey were on their BEST behavior!!! Calm, somewhat reserved and totally uncharacteristic.

The owner of Houston Shaggy Dog Rescue had previously stated to me that the particular dog we were interested in was on "HOLD" as a lady was flying in from Chicago to look at him. "Fine," I said. "Just contact me afterwards to let me know."

Never heard, never heard so I send an email. Her reply, " She did indeed chose the other dog, however, blah blah blah two young boys are too lively, blah blah blah I think such and such dog would be better for you."

My reply, "If it is okay with you, we would really like to try said dog. He is the one that fits the criteria that we are looking for, he got along well with the children and he is the one that lead us to your rescue. Of course, his needs are very important to us and if at any time the boys prove to be too much we will bring him back immediately."

NO RESPONSE. Houston Shaggy Dog Rescue was never to be heard from again. Our application, DENIED. FAILED.

I have since then located 1 other precious angel from Basset Buddies Rescue of Houston. (Who have proven to be a delight!) Unfortunately, The Strong Man is off of the bandwagon. NO MORE DOGS. WE TRIED IT. IT DIDN'T WORK OUT. IT's OVER.

Devastated and Dogless,
The Bearded Lady

1st Day of MDO

2009-09-10T21:03:00.008-05:00

We just kicked off the beginning of our Fall schedules yesterday with the boys starting MDO.

You would think by my 100th post, I would have learned how to load my photos from start to finish. Nope!!! I'm proof you can't teach an old dog new tricks. So bear with me AGAIN!! They are chronologically REVERSED!!

"Heh?"

On the move!

Woody and Buzz to the RESCUE!!! Again and again and again!! They NEVER tire of TOY STORY!!

Hi Momma!!

CHEESE-O-RAMA!!

Let's GO!!

Watch out!! I'm overly excited and have plastered a fake grin on my face!! Look MOM!!

They both had GREAT days and GREAT reports from their teachers!!

I'm sorry to report that I failed in the funky lunch department. I didn't TOTALLY fail. The boys had home made lunches with a special touch (snickerdoodle chex mix with M & M's!).

However, their turkey and cheese was in a measly rectangle shape, not a rocket shape. Those poor, poor mistreated children.

What did I do with my 5 hours off? I got my haircut for the first time since FEBRUARY!!

Bragging Rights

2009-09-02T18:37:00.003-05:00

Barnum did a great job in swimming lessons this year!! Probably because he had the world's best teacher!!!!!!!! He has grown to love the water and wants to hop in anytime he can!! I just thought I would show off how BRAVE he has gotten.

Mrs. Stephanie (aka best swimming instructor EVER!!), I apologize that we have strayed away from the curriculum!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Feeling Ambitious

2009-08-29T15:35:00.006-05:00

L-o-V-i-N-g HWTM's post yesterday!!

Here are a few that are striking my fancy for Barnum and Bailey:

Please check out this super fun website, peruse their gallery and then surprise your munchkins!!! FUNKY LUNCH!

Barnum and Bailey will be attending MDO once a week. Surely I can do this ONCE A WEEK???

Stay tuned....

Gratituesday

2009-08-25T21:40:00.005-05:00

I am overflowing with gratitude today!!

Reason #1:
The PuppetMaster lives VERY close to us now!!

Reason #2
The PuppetMaster lives VERY close to us now!! Meaning......if I throw a big bratty fit and demand that my birthday cake looks like this:

It will!!!

Ain't she good??

My 2nd Most Favorite Vacation

2009-08-11T09:10:00.008-05:00

5 years ago, if someone would have said to me; "Your 2nd Most Favorite Vacation will actually be a Staycation" I would have snarled my nose and replied, "I highly doubt it."

Flash forward 5 years.

My 2nd MOST FAVORITE VACATION IS MY CURRENT STAYCATION!!!!

How?

The Strongman singlehandedly drove Barnum and Bailey the grueling 10 hours North to bless their grandparents. He has set up residence/worksite at his parent's house and Barnum and Bailey ping-pong back and forth between their two sets of grandparents.

He has been gone since last Wednesday and is not due to return until FRIDAY!!! THAT IS 10 DAYS!!! I am beside myself and every cabinet, drawer, cubby and closet has been thoroughly cleaned and reorganized!! In addition, I have had continuous thoughts!!!

I am missing the dickens out of the little punks. All three of them!!

Where are they?

They are in the Great Plains. Where you can see for miles and miles and miles.

How are their nutritional needs being met? By eating CHICKEN FRIED BACON of course!!

What are the effects of eating chicken fried bacon?

I LOVE and MISS you guys!!!

Circus Fare--Tea Cakes

2009-08-08T11:34:00.005-05:00

I am no Bakerella, however, I did conjure up these little tea cakes:

They are strawberry flavored poundcake with a strawberry glaze per the request of my darling little niece, The Artist.

She was hosting a lovely tea party in honor of her birthday. Her birthday that was in MARCH!!!! I never claim to be anything more than a day late and a dollar short. Can I get an Amen from those who know me????

Happy 4th of July!! I mean 4th of August...I mean August 5th!!

2009-08-05T10:10:00.006-05:00

This last month has been C-r-A-z-Y!!!

First of all......

Thankfully, The PuppetMaster and her family have finally arrived in town!!!! The little green part of the banner says 'almost' b/c nothing about this move has been easy or FINAL!!! We hope to end all of that this Tuesday. Please pray your heads off that this is the case. That every piece of paper work arrives correctly and on time and that every signature counts. For. Real.

Secondly.....

Happy 4th of July!!!

We had a GREAT time celebrating with friends! The hostess went OVER and BEYOND to make a special meal (recipe here) and tablescape!!! The girl has mad skills!! I highly suggest checking her blog often!!!

I love, Love, LOVE these roses!!!!

The Three Musketeers ready to call it a night:

Jesus Loves Me

2009-07-13T18:11:00.002-05:00

This post is 2 1/2 months overdue!!! Barnum was with The PuppetMaster and this is what she got out of him!!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My New Favorite Thing(s)

2009-07-11T21:17:00.007-05:00

Just in.... my new BFFFFFFF!!!! I am VERY thankful for this gift!!!

What will I make with it first you ask???

Cookies with these little gems!!

Cooking!!

Food for Thought??

2009-07-10T11:16:00.008-05:00

I am interested in seeing this movie!!!

Sleepy Head

2009-07-05T16:55:00.004-05:00

It kills me that he has grown so much already!!

It kills me even more to know that time is fading fast!! When the house is a constant mess, when the walls are closing in on me, when the screaming doesn't stop, when I'm tired of smearing Peanut Butter & Jelly, I must remember the saying, "The days are long but the years are short."

Call us CrAzY?

2009-06-28T20:39:00.004-05:00

We have a new addition!!

Barnum and Bailey's Grammy & Papa stumbled upon a "good deal at Academy." The boys couldn't be happier!!

Bailey likes to roam the tramp solo while chanting, "Boun, boun, boun." Barnum likes to have a captive audience while he acquires new tricks.

My favorite part of breaking in the new was when The Strong Man journeyed up to "Show the boys how it is done." Needless to say, we've been nursing a back injury for the past week!!!

Barnum is CONSUMED with his new toy!! When The Strong Man was putting him to bed the night we got it he said, "Daddy! I can't go to sleep because someone will jump on my trampoline!!" He was assured and assured that no one would be jumping on his trampoline. Five minutes later he is loudly beckoning, "DADDY, DADDY. DAAAAAADDDDDYYYYYY! Will you put a sign on my trampoline so no one will jump on it?" "Of course I will. Now off to sleep."

Three minutes later, "DADDDDDDDYYYYYYY!! DAD. DAAAAAADDDDDDDYYYYY! Will you make it look like a Stop Sign?? A Stop Sign with stripes?"

Water Animals

2009-06-25T13:50:00.004-05:00

These pics were taken a week or two back while Barnum and Bailey were splashing around in their "pool."

Bailey was pretty excited about his outdoor circus rehearsals!!

Barnum wrestled and wrestled with Bailey trying to get him to perform the way he thought he should perform!!

Barnum finally gave up. Disgusted with the results!!!

JUST MARRIED!!!

2009-06-22T20:09:00.011-05:00

I just returned home from the SWEETEST wedding!!! It was just toooooo much fun and the bride was just beautiful in a dress that was made for her!!

The super fun reception included: Mr. and Mrs. PEZ dispensers, California rolls, shrimp cocktail, fruit and cheese kabobs, E.L. Fudge, gummy worms, rock candy, peanut butter balls, Oreo truffles and yummy drinks like peacock punch, limeade spritzers, coffee punch and mock champagne. My favorite featured item was the AWESOME photo booth with dress up clothes!!!

The wedding cake:

The bridesmaids and bridal bouquet before walking down the aisle!!

A white hydrangea and peacock feather centerpiece from the reception:

A boutonniere:

The Getaway Car

The New Mr. and Mrs. Foster before jetting off to their Honeymoon!!

MOT and I were lucky enough to get to drive the Getaway car home. Before we headed home, we decided we MUST cruise through Sonic for a night cap reminiscent of our high school days.

It is insane to think about all that has transpired in our lives since we began these very loyal Sonic runs at least 12 years ago!!

While sitting on the "COOL SIDE" MOT tells me she has discovered the most disgustingly delicious snack. I wasn't buying it! (After all, she also told me that about Whataburger's taquitos...barf city!!!) However, she peels out and heads 2 blocks south to Taco Bell.

There, she orders 2 Crunchy Cheesy Gorditas. The verdict is in......she is right.....they are disgustingly delicious. I am now forever mad at her for introducing them to me!! She has created a HUGE conundrum for me when I am at the combo Taco Bell/Long John Silver's!!

Will I betray my chicken planks for a Crunchy Cheesy Gordita??

Gratituesday

2009-06-16T17:17:00.004-05:00

Today, I am grateful for the fountains and splash pads in our area!! They are an AWESOME way to beat the heat!!!

Photos courtesy of The Tattooed Lady!!

For more "Gratituesday" head on over to The Heavenly Homemakers!!

Wrath

2009-06-15T21:09:00.004-05:00

I woke up very optimistic this morning. I had my game face on for the week. My goals were set, mapped out and I was ready to attack. Boom, boom, boom. I was going to get it all done and the kids.... The kids were going to be great. I just knew it. I had a feeling.

If I've said it once, I've said it a THOUSAND times....NEVER TRUST YOUR FEELINGS!!!!!

I was 1/4 of the way done at WalMarket (It will forever be known as Walmarket to me!!! I had a dear friend who shopped, cooked and cleaned for me endlessly when I was sick. She would always call and ask what we would be needing from The WalMarket!) ANYWAY....

I was 1/4 of the way done at WalMarket with Barnum and Bailey in tow. It hit me like a TON of BRICKS!!!! The....oh no I have to go to the bathroom RIGHT NOW or I WILL DIE!! Anyone who knows me knows that I would rather DIE than go to a public restroom. They are just something I can't get past. Today, I had no choice. It was get past the public restroom or borrow a diaper from Bailey. I left the diaper bag in the car so off the the front of the store to visit the public restrooms! I had to park the cart, remove the children, drag Barnum away from the shooting game in the arcade, usher them both into the restroom, lock them in the stall with me and use the public restroom!

It only gets worse!!!

Bailey was more than annoyed that he had to get back into the cart. He let me and everyone else know that he was not going to have it. He unleashed a merciless wrath on his mommy and everyone else in the store! However, we had NO ESSENTIALS!! NONE. I had no choice but to power through the storm. I was throwing milk, bread, cheese and frozen pizza on top of Barnum in the cart and tearing open all the normally forbidden boxes of Fruit Roll-ups, Granola bars and M & M's as fast as possible.

Bailey didn't care. It didn't phase him. He simultaneously ate the junk and continued to scream. THROUGHOUT the entire WalMarket and the entire ride home!!!

The evidence of my worthless bribes are all over his face!!!

W-O-W...he is starting to look exactly like his DADDY!! Now that he has gone blond I can't lay claim to either one of them!!!

Tomorrow, you better have something better for me!!!!

Adding Insult to Injury

2009-06-13T09:13:00.005-05:00

My sweet Aunt Jeanne courageously lost her battle with cancer. Sadly, I was not able to attend the service and therefore planned to honor her with an incredible floral arrangement. When remembering my Aunt, I see visions of bright flowers, various textures and a lot of interest.

Therefore, this was the arrangement I chose:

I located this arrangement on the 1-800 Flowers.com website and felt it represented my Aunt perfectly.

This is what arrived at the funeral home:

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Barnum and Bailey have made sandcastles with more architectural interest than this pot full of mismatched weeds!!! Flowerwrecks.com anyone?

I understand how teleflora works. I understand they contract out with a local florist. I understand it is a bit of a gamble. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND how in this day and age of iphones and blackberry that ANYONE would try and pull this off as acceptable!!!

I also do not understand how the situation was not able to be remedied. SO WHAT if I got my money back. I don't care about the money. I care about being able to honor my aunt.

Flowers are my love language. More importantly, flowers were my Aunt Jeanne's love language.

Bureaucracy and local incompetence turned them into sadness.

Friendship

2009-06-09T20:11:00.004-05:00

John 15: 13-17

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

May you sweet, sweet boys always be GREAT friends.

Let's go to the MOVIES!!!

2009-06-08T19:14:00.005-05:00

We just celebrated an I-N-C-R-E-D-U-L-O-U-S landmark!!! Barnum's first movie at a REAL movie theatre!! UP

Not only did I cry and cry and cry because my baby is so BIG but also because the movie is so GREAT!! Barnum loved every minute of it!! He loved getting his ticket, picking his concessions, eating his concessions and watching the movie!!! He sat through every minute!!! (Including the credits which is actually his favorite part!! He has to see them on every video he watches!! He will cry if you try to skip them.)

I think that Barnum was able to channel the main character, Mr. Fredrickson, amazingly well!! Compare the photos!! (Barnum has been dubbed a dramatic genius since the ripe old age of FOUR months!!! Remember Annabelle??

Three tickets, please!!! Thankfully, The Tattooed Lady was in town to watch Bailey!!

Considering the racket on movie stand concessions, Barnum was the only lucky recipient. The Strong Man made the mistake of trying to snag a bite of his popcorn and was quickly told, "Get your own popcorn!!"

Thank you Strong Man and Barnum for one of the BESTEST days ever!! What a treasured memory it will be for me!! I love you!

Tagged!!

2009-06-06T13:39:00.004-05:00

Thank you, Katie, for my first official TAG!!!

8 things I am looking forward to (in no particular order):

1. Brother and Sister-in-law moving to town!

2. Father and Mother-in-law moving to town!

3. Barnum's swimming lessons

4. Trash Day (The diaper genie is overflowing!!!)

5. Free Iced Latte @ McDonald's on Wednesday

6. A shower

7. Naptime!

8. Bedtime!

8 things I did yesterday:

1. Cooked Blueberry Streusel Muffins

2. Took Barnum and Bailey to splash in the fountains

3. Had a picnic with friends

4. Dyed my hair (no one has yet to notice!!!)

5. Ate at a new restaurant...Peli Peli. L-O-V-E-D it. Portuguese.

6. Had Freshberry for dessert!!

7. Painted my toenails....Make Mine Mango!!

8. Watched Marley & Me

8 things I wish I could do:

1. Run like I used to prior to children and paralysis

2. Have my hair professionally dyed

3. See family and friends more often

4. TRAVEL

5. Sew

6. Keep my cool

7. Stay up late

8. Throw a football

8 Shows I watch:

I TRY to watch the following!! I record them all and then get frustrated b/c I am so far behind and I end up deleting them!!

1. SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!!! Best show on TV EVER, EVER, EVER!!! I DO NOT MISS THIS ONE.....EVER!!!

2. Dancing with the Stars

3. Garage Mahal

4. 18 Kids and counting

5. The Office

6. The Amazing Race

7. The Bachelor/Bachelorette

8. The SOUP!! Holla Back, Joel McHale!!!!

8 Favorite Fruits:

1. Apples (ANY kind!! I'm loving Honey Crisp right now!)

2. Cherries

3. Strawberries

4. Oranges

5. Peaches

6. Pears

7. Pineapple

8. Watermelon

8 Places I would like to travel:

1. Italy

2. France

3. Australia

4. Costa Rica

5. Hawaii

6. New York (I have been trying for 3 YEARS!!)

7. GREECE

8. Scotland

8 place I have lived:

1. Pampa, Texas

2. Stillwater, Oklahoma

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

4. Tulsa, Oklahoma

5. Houston, Texas

8 tags:

You are tagged! Leave a comment with a link to your post!!!

Progress Report

2009-06-03T20:02:00.004-05:00

See how our garden grows!!!

Barnum and Bailey love to check out their plants and Mommy and Daddy are laughing at how badly they underestimated the growth potential of their plants!!

Fresh Vegetables, anyone??

Google Reader

2009-06-02T12:24:00.006-05:00

Today, I am thankful for.....

GOOGLE Reader!!!

Google Reader will allow you to have any RSS Feed (Really Simple Syndication) delivered straight to one place!!! Google Reader is an insanely awesome timesaver!! It updates automatically!! It means no more clicking from here to there to here!

You choose what comes in and how it is organized. You can choose from blogs, Twitter, Diggs, Facebook, Fox News, etc!!

There is also a mobile app!! Google Reader Mobile was my lifeline to the outside world why I was away for the past 16 days!!!

There are a bevy of RSS Channels and RSS readers but I love the user ease and mobile app of Google!!

Visit Heavenly Homemakers to connect with other grateful bloggers!!

Circus Fare--Asparagus Risotto

2009-06-01T22:05:00.003-05:00

We're BACK!!! In order to avoid the five overflowing baskets of laundry, phone calls, and daily grind, I decided to cook! There is nothing like busying yourself to distract from your reality.

The recipe I tried was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! I loved it!! My inspiration came from all of the fresh, home-grown asparagus we encountered up north. (North for us but really just mid-America).

The recipe is a simple and Y-U-M-M-Y Asparagus Risotto!! BTW....don't be fooled into thinking you HAVE to HAVE arborio rice. I used simple long grain white rice and it turned out magnificently!! The key to this recipe is stirring, stirring, stirring, and more stirring!!

Spring Asparagus Risotto

Yield

8 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups risotto and 1 1/2 teaspoons cheese)

Ingredients

4 cups (1-inch) slices asparagus (about 1 1/2 pounds), divided
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups chopped onion (about 1 large)
2 cups uncooked Arborio rice or other medium-grain rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup (4 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Place 1 cup asparagus and 1 cup broth in a blender; puree until smooth. Combine puree, remaining 2 cups broth, and 1 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.

2. Melt butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to pan; cook 8 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in rice; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 cup broth mixture; cook 2 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining puree mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 30 minutes total). Stir in remaining 3 cups asparagus; cook 2 minutes.

3. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese, cream, salt, and pepper. Transfer risotto to a bowl. Serve with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

Nutritional Information

Calories:: 283
Fat:: 7.7g (sat 4.4g,mono 2g,poly 0.3g)
Protein:: 10.5g
Carbohydrate:: 44g
Fiber:: 4.1g
Cholesterol:: 23mg
Iron:: 2.2mg
Sodium:: 634mg
Calcium:: 144mg

Clif Holt, Clif Holt, Cooking Light, APRIL 2009

A little break

2009-05-20T10:55:00.001-05:00

Barnum, Bailey and The Bearded Lady are on a pause from the blogging world.

We've had to fly up north to be with a family member who is bravely fighting cancer. We covet your prayers during this time!

Hooray!!!! Another Post about....ICECREAM!!!

2009-05-13T19:00:00.006-05:00

I know you have read me raving and raving and raving about Freshberry here. Now....da da da DAAAAAA!!!!!...my fans, who never stand a chance of gracing their doors, can obtain a glimpse of the Freshberry Tart wonderfulness in Dreyer's NEW! Slow-Churned, Rich and Creamy, Tart Honey Yogurt Blend.

Thank you for the image, Heather!!

Thank you a.k.a writer for the suggestion that I try it!! I honestly would have never given it a second glance. NOW....I'm obsessed!!

Ice Cream-Gratituesday

2009-05-05T15:00:00.008-05:00

Ice Cream!!! We are GRATEFUL for ICE CREAM!!!

Barnum and Bailey recently met up with their sweet little buddies for an ice-cream date! Bailey L-O-V-E-D feeding himself ice cream.

Click the Gratituesday pic above to be inspired by other grateful bloggers!!

Heavenly Things..

2009-04-30T07:42:00.004-05:00

Here are two items that I find HEAVENLY.......

Numba 1

These creamy coconut fruit bars are Y-U-M-M-Y and very refreshing!!

Numba 2

PAINT the BARN!!

My new favorite blog from my favorite diva!! Click on the name to check it out!!!

Gratituesday

2009-04-28T10:42:00.009-05:00

Today, I am VERY thankful for my health and the health of my friends and family members!! God has graciously gifted us with recoveries that cover the gamete (stroke, cancer, paralysis, surgeries, etc.)

He has also shown me through these illnesses that He is good. All the time. No matter what the diagnosis or the outcome: God is good all the time!!!

Click here to be encouraged by other Gratituesday posts!!!

Buzz Lightyear Brave

2009-04-26T20:45:00.005-05:00

A wise observer once said to me, "Wow, you guys don't do anything the easy way!" Boy did we prove that to be true these last four days!!!

Barnum was recently diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea aka neither he nor his parents have slept in 3 1/2 years. Turns out his tonsils and adenoids are alarmingly L-A-R-G-E!! These enlarged devils cause him to wake up anywhere from 2-6 times a night and have also given him a mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

To alleviate all of this drama, he was scheduled for a tonsil-adenoidectomy and bilateral PE tube placement.

Here is Barnum awaiting his premed or "sleepy cocktail."

Barnum likey his sleepy cocktail!!!

Here is how this precious angel spent the next 48+ hours!!! He was supposed to go home 24 hours later, however, his little lungs didn't participate quite the way they should have!! Barnum had bronchiolitis and couldn't maintain a proper oxygen level.

Bless his heart!!! This little boy had to endure around the clock breathing treatments (which he equates with torture), constant O2 and IV's.

He was very, very brave during his stay. Thankfully, he is now at home with us and doing well.

BFF

2009-04-21T19:59:00.005-05:00

Here are Barnum and Bailey congratulating each other on a job well done and enjoying friendly competition. I am sure you can imagine how it ends....

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-21T19:47:00.003-05:00

Bailey is usually my smiley, happy baby. However, he heard there were consumable prizes in the eggs and when it comes to food he is nothing but serious.

Barnum and Bailey get down to business!

Sweet Eureka! The coveted M & M's!!!!

BTW...have I ever mentioned the incredible rush of endorphins I receive when Blogger spellcheck spits out at me..."No misspellings found!!??"

Easter Flashback!

2009-04-16T10:00:00.003-05:00

Here is sweet little Barnum at his First Easter Egg Hunt. He is the ripe old age of 16 months!!!

Here is sweet little Bailey at his first Easter Egg hunt. He is the ripe old age of 15 months!!

YUMMY!!!

2009-04-10T09:20:00.004-05:00

Feeding time again!!! Here is Bailey having his new favorite snack and practicing his new favorite phrase, "um hmm."

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Everything is Coming Up Onions

2009-04-02T15:31:00.004-05:00

I am happy to announce our first little sprouts from seeds we planted in the garden!! Our onion seeds are starting to grow!! The only items planted from seeds in our garden are the onions, our newest tomato plant (Barnum started it as a seed at MDO and we just transplanted it), chives and cosmic dragon (purple!!) carrots.

Here are our onion sprouts!!!

Here is Barnum's tomato plant!! I am insanely excited about this addition.

The first bloom in our garden is on our Poblano plant.

Sneak Away Weekend---In Reverse

2009-03-30T20:28:00.010-05:00

At the very last minute, Barnum and Mommy snuck away to Dallas this past weekend to meet up with The Trapeze Artist, The Fire Breather, The Contortionist, and Doneldo. We were also very excited to see MOT and the TWINS!!

I made the grave error of uploading the pics in chronological order, which displays them on the blog post in reverse order. Being that it is 8:38 PM and I am typically in a coma by 9:00 PM, my dear readers will experience our weekend in REVERSE.

We finished off our weekend at MOT's house. Thank you MOT for having us for lunch!!! Most importantly, THANK YOU for introducing us to ZAXBY's. Delish fried chicken!!!

It was awesome to see how much the boys had grown since December!! Those two are motoring around like crazy! Their little personalities are shining through and they are a lot of F-U-N!! Clearly, Grant was the only one on board with the photo session!!

"Wait a minute boys, I've gotta dig for gold!"

In order from L to R: The Contortionist, Barnum, and the Fire Breather (Don't get me wrong....she is capable of eating AND breathing Fire!!!) This was the last pic of the 3 Amigos as we were leaving The Cracker Barrel on Sunday morning.

The carousel was the very last ride of our Six Flags Adventure. It was a great day!!

Barnum's Favorite, Scooby!! Scooby was also his Mommy's favorite as she was growing up!!

This little spit fire drove this antique car!! She was driving her Mom and Dad but I accidentally cut their heads off!!!

Who let these two behind the wheel??? I DID!!! I let these two hooligans drive ME around!!!

TEXAS TEACUPS

This was the first picture of the day. It by NO MEANS does the temperature justice!! My sister says...bring jackets it is going to be in the 50's. I thought....well...I'll bring our winter coats in case. (Winter coats down here = hoodies). She took one look at us and laughed. THANKFULLY, she had extras!!! I had on a long sleeve shirt, hoodie, TWO COATS and gloves!! Barnum had on TWO long sleeve shirts, hoodie, pink coat and socks for gloves!!! It was 19 DEGREES when we started!! It felt like some kind of early April Fool's joke!!! The good that came out of that....Absolutely NO LINES for the rides!!! WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

Our DELUXE accommodations!!! This hotel was VERY, VERY nice!!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE hotels!! Barnum loves, loves, loves the indoor swimming pools at hotels!!!

We had one AWESOME weekend!!!! I am very thankful for the one on one time I had with my little boy and the time we got to spend together with friends and family!!!!

Back in Business

2009-03-26T15:22:00.006-05:00

After an extended Spring Break, I am pleased to announce that we are BACK IN BUSINESS!!! What have we been doing for the last 21 days? Here you go:

1. Labeling all bins, drawers, and cabinets in the toy room with pictures so that my beloved Barnum & Bailey can learn to clean up after themselves. That involved taking pictures of all the toys!! I took all of the pics, printed them as wallets and placed them in vinyl name tag holders fastened by metal rings. (We'll see how "indestructible" they prove to be!!) So far, it is working out VERY well!!!

2. Spending time with The Great Magician. He came into town to work his magic on those two hooligans so their mommy could complete a thought! While he was here we also stumbled upon some INSANELY GOOD seafood and PECAN PIE!!! Goode Company Seafood!! TO DIE!!! Thank you Christine for the recommendation!!

3. Cowboy Day at Mother's Day Out!! Barnum acquired the authentic cowboy hat during our last trip to Pampa. His sweet friend "loaned" him some boots and I haven't pryed them off his feet yet. He SLEEPS IN THEM!!

4. Planting our GARDEN!!!

Eskimo Joe's

2009-03-05T11:36:00.005-06:00

Here are my little sweeties in their Eskimo Joe T-shirts that their aunt bought for them! It is a crying shame that it has been AT LEAST 4 years since I have devoured a plate of cheese fries!! Hopefully that will be remedied by our trip to Oklahoma in May!!

Hi Mom!! We're sitting here being sweet!

Wait, Bailey!! Gimme your paci!!

HOW COULD YOU TAKE MY PACI????

FINE!! Gimme your comb!!!

You missed a spot!!! Come HERE!!

Wii Fit

2009-03-03T08:37:00.005-06:00

Much to my husband's chagrin, we do not own a Wii. However, his older brother is the proud owner of a Wii AND Wii Fit. Since the Circus was in town, it was a weekend full of Wii. Here is a video of sweet Barnum on the Wii Fit showing us all how to Hula Hoop.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com