Goodbye 2013.

Hello 2014!

WOW its already December!

Last Monday night for Family Home Evening,

we put up the tree and decorated it.

Lets say it was fun!!!!

My boy's still haven't forgiven me for getting rid of our huge tree and most of our Christmas  ornaments.   Instead we have a tree that lies about its height.  Give it up we all know your not 6 ft.

My friend Megan found this tree the year I went crazy and got rid of everything for $2.50 

This year when we went to grab our Christmas box out of the storage room it was crushed.

Most of the ornaments where smashed (lucky not the ornament we got for Levi last year).

Milo and Evie had a major melt down and had to sit in there rooms.

As I walked out of their room Milo in the saddest little voice says "but we're missing Christmas".

Once they were all calmed down we ran to Dollar Tree to replace the smashed ornaments.

So 95% of our tree cost us less then $2.50.

We're super awesome like that.

Our tree is so amazing that Evie said "it's so beautiful, its breaking my heart".

I think she was referencing the row of blobs all clump together.

I love our little tree and my amazing family and the fact that we get to reflect on the birth of our Savior.

Love this time of year.

Strangers

I found this print by Emily McDowell on pinterest.

Don't you love the colors used?

This week I needed this reminder.  With all the amazing things and inspiration out there via the internet, sometimes I forget that we all have slumps and hard days.

I love the saying "don't judge somebody's outward self with your inward self"  or something like that.

Sucker

Problem:  Who is going to pass out candy when we are taking the 3 younger kids trick or treating

and the 2 older boys are off and partying like it's 1999.

Solution: Leave the pumpkin in charge.

Here's a super fun and fast crafty way to leave candy on your porch while your off partying like its 1999, yes I am aware that 1999 was 14 years ago and yes I need a new partying song.

I am open for suggestions. 

Now this is tricky, poke a bunch of random holes in a pumpkin.

Let the holes dry out of a little while.  We don't want to give out slimy suckers.  Not cool.

After that comes the hard part, pimp out your pumpkin by putting suckers in the holes.

There you have it your.

PIMPKIN CANDY HOLDER!

Sorry.

PUMPKIN CANDY HOLDER!

Do you like my way to small Halloween Wreath?

I love how its off center and how the poor raven is completely lost in my black door.

The coolest thing about most of these pumpkins.

Two years ago we had a huge wind storm that blew down our beautiful hide the neighbor yard from my view pine trees.  As if to say sorry we have had pumpkins grow where one was for the past two Halloweens.  No one planted seeds they just grew and we love them, even if they can't fill the void where the trees used to be.

I would also like to take a moment and apologize to all the children who come by my home and think the are the luck ones who found a quarter.  Then realize that a punk 13 year old boy has super glued it to my porch.  My deepest apologies.  I am now heading over to pinterest to see if there is any way to get it off.  If I fail I will put a pimpkin pumpkin on top of it.

Menu Thursday

First off!

HaPpY hAlLoWeEn!

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Chicken Schnitzel

I have always wanted to try Schnitzel and this recipe from Whats Gaby cooking looks wonderful.

Maybe I'll make this on Monday and our Family Home Evening treat could be Strudel? 

Chicken Taco Bowls

Crockpot BBQ Pork Ribs

I have a super yummy and easy recipe.

I'll share this coming week sometime.

Roast

Nachos

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Stuffed Peppers

I have an evil laughter here,  

my kids are going to be absolutely horrified.  I have never made these for them knowing the eye roles and complaints the will follow these being placed on the table.

I love them and they sound so good and my kids don't have to eat the peppers right.

Maybe I'll make theirs meatloaf style with out the pepper then I am not wasting food.

Problem solved I get a pepper they get a mound of meat.

Waa Haa Haa Ha.

Hawaiian Haystacks

The Fantastic Wes Anderson

I think I have found my husbands Christmas present.

We love Wes Anderson.  I mean love.

I want him to come and  script my life and design my home.

Since I can't have that, I can at least have a book, um for my husband.

Mike doing his best Sam from Moonrise Kingdom

I want to live in a Wes Anderson home as you already know, now you can see kinda why.

Favorite line from this clip "He dresses us in  short pants to make us look like someone to mug", or something like that.

We love the Fantastic Mr Fox.

I could also live in their tree but I am not the size of a fox or animated.

You can tell when we have watch it because we say cuss a lot.

If you also are a Wes Anderson fan you can grab his book on Amazon.

Hooray

Tonight while I was reading my little one's their bedtime story from a library book which is over due,

I had the thought Hooray for Fish more like Hooray for Bedtime.

I was sleepy and just exhausted and I couldn't wait to get my kids to bed so I could just rest.

Then at the end of the book the baby fish finds his mommy fish and they kiss and tell each other they love them.  All at once I was like "Hooray for Fish" is awesome and Hooray for Life even more awesome.  I could have gone from sleepy to delirious, either way it made me think of all that I have to say Hooray for.

 Hooray for Autumn days and Gelato!

 Hooray for Playing in the Rain!

Hooray for Naps!

Hooray for Story Time with Dad!

Hooray for Girl's Days!

Hooray for Big Brothers who ride the Tea Cups with the Little Ones!

Hooray for Super Cheesy Art!

Hooray for Being Able to Sleep Anywhere!

Hooray for Sneaking Out of Bed!

Hooray for Zebras in Water Drains!

 Hooray for Dressing up like Moon Rise Kingdom!

Hooray for the Tuba and Swimming!

Hooray for Family!

Hooray for the Temple!

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Hooray for a Living Prophet!

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and for my Savior and Redeemer!

P.S All but the last 2 photos came from my phone, so sorry about the super great quality.

Casualy Wanting

Do you ever run to the book store looking for a novel?

Something new and amazing?

That is how I came to read Casual Vacancy.

It was late and the store was about to close, so I quickly bought a book I felt safe with,

I trusted Rowling's to lead me down an amazing tell.

I was lead down a well written soap opera. 

This book is dark and shows the worst of humanity.

Completely depressing but not in the good Wuthering Heights way.

(I have never actually read WH but in High School I did watch the move because Ralph Fiennes was in it,  I also watch Quiz Show about a million times for the same reason.  Funny that he's Voldemort 

in the Harry Potter movies.)

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One day I was having a crap day and sat down to read and forget my troubles for a little while,

I was about halfway threw the book and was like why am I reading something that is only bring me down and has no uplifting value and at times is trying to be funny but can't even pull that off.

So I went out side and recycled the book.  Hopefully it can come back, be reborn into something 

the actually helps humanity. 

My friend Jen made a great point when I was telling her about the book.

"It's funny how in the depth of poverty she could write something so hopeful and while abounding with wealth write something so deprived of happiness"

Menu Thursday, um Friday

Yesterday was just plain lazy.  

I went to the gym and I was all sweaty and my body was red,

but I felt freezing cold the entire time. Crazy.

I was afraid that I was coming down with something and so I just took it easy.

So this is a day late.

Here's a quick update on my search to find the best chili ever.

The Mel's Kitchen Cafe Mom's Chili, was quick and easy and made Milo hum as he ate it.

It also had a strong tomato taste, which more then one of my kids didn't hum about.

So the search goes on.  I had better find one soon or else I might have a dinner mutiny.

The Pioneer Woman's Frito Pie Chili

I think I'm safe with this chili.  Love The Pioneer Woman.

Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole 

Chicken Alfredo 

Taco's

French Bread Pizzas

I get my bread from Jimmy Johns.  Only 50 cents a loaf.

Spaghetti Squash Skillet lasagna

My friend Megan made something like this and it sounded delish. 

Shepherd Pie

Lets talk about hair baby

Last February I chopped all my hair off .

Why? Because I am crazy and that's how I roll.

How much hair chopping off are we talking about?  Right around 14 inches.

My hair was a long pixies, kinda like this.

Milo told me I had boy hair.  In fact at church he needed help washing his hands

and told me it was okay if I went into the boys bathroom because I had boy hair.

Nice for the good old self esteem.

I liked my hair despite Milo, but realized my hair grows way to fast for a pixie.

I absolutely hate the grow out process 

Why can't I just blink and have Zooey Deschanel's lovely locks?

Unfortunately I am once again at the phase of needing my hair reshaped.

I need some life brought back to it.

Here are some hair ideas I have.  What do you think?

I know that they are all kinda the same. 

If you look close they have differences,  like the bangs.

I think I might add a bang back into my hair cut.

Why must this be so hard?

Why must I be so mellow dramatic?  

Why is that girl making a duck face?

WHY?

All photo's are from my Hair Pinterest Board.

Update

As you know from here, I'm doing a 12 week challenge with my gym.

I have had great weeks and lame ones.

Honestly I have had more lame ones then great ones.

Seriously I think my kids have planned out how to get sick.

I get it kids, change is hard for all of us.

I'll still love you even if I have a rocking body.

So even with all this sabotage going on, I am down a size.

Can I get a hell ya Heck Ya!

On Saturday I ran to Gap Outlet to try and find some jeans that fit.

(I know poor me, I now have saggy butt jeans.)

Lets just say I found the sale of a life time.

That outfit I'm sporting cost right around $6.

No lie, just 6 macaroons for the jeans, sweater and jacket.

I only spent $30 for this bag of clothes.

I would show all of what I found but it's for Christmas, so I am bond by Christmas law and therefor 

can show nothing.

But here's a run down

4  pairs of pants

3 sweaters

2 dresses 

1 pair of sandals

1 jacket

1 plaid shirt.

When I was told the total, I may have done a fist pump with a yes! and the lady behind the counter may have looked at me like I needed mental help.

To which I grabbed my bag and gave a don't judge me I have 5 kids to clothe smile. 

Here's how I did it.  Gap was having a 50% off all clearance, I had a coupon for another 25% off

and lastly I had rewards from when I did my back to school shopping trip. 

Dang

The other day in the parking lot of Target I unfortunately backed up into a car.

I was in the Mahonda (what the kids call our mini van), the car was small,  the sun was in my eyes and why didn't someone honk? Mostly I was distracted.  

I was thinking of everything I had to do and not about what I was doing. 

I am so very thankful for a wake up call, thank you universe for honking.

I want to live in the now and be fully engaged in whatever I am up to.

If I'm with my kids, that is where I am.

On a date with my main man,  he is my main focus.

If I am at the gym, I'm not thinking about the dishes at home, I'm there trying not to fall on my face as I do one more burpee.  

(Dear Burpee, I kinda hate you.)

In all that I have to do, I never want that to get in the way of who and what I love.

The people who fill up our live's are of way more worth then the things that fill up our to do list.

Why are all my Oprah ah ha moments at Target?

Life lesson on aisle 5, right between the Nate Berkus lamp and the Halloween Decor.

P.S. Just in case your wondering, my mini van has buns of steal and only inflicted damage.  Good thing because we just bought it.

Halloween Fun

My friend Jackie got a group of us together to make these super cute blocks from Caravan Shoppe.

 Lets just say that Milo and Evie love them. They were perfect for Conference weekend.

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They have so many amazingly cute items.

Here are a few that I am planning on making for the holiday season.

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I bought Lauren an old doll house for Christmas, that my friend Elise found. (Huge Thanks).

I think these Minifolk would love to live in Lauren's wee house.

I here they are working on a Minifolk Nativity. Awesome.

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Who doesn't need a big old turkey print.

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I think this puzzle will go with my Christmas activities.

Sweet Tangy Buffalo Chicken

When I make this meal for my kids, 

its high fives all a round.

They love it and to get all 5 kids to love something is a minor miracle. 

Sweet Tangy Buffalo Chicken 

Greek Seasoning 

2 LB Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Sprinkle Greek Seasoning over chicken (sorry I don't know exact amount, I just make sure each piece gets some, If I had to guess, I'd say 1/4 to 1/2 tsp for each thigh).  Cover and cook until done,  about 30 to 40 min.

Sauce

2 1/2 Tbs Butter

1/2 C Brown Sugar

1/2 C Franks Red Hot Original Sauce 

Mix altogether in a sauce pan over medium to medium high heat.

Cook until all the sugar is combined and smooth.

Half the sauce

Dip Chicken in one half of the Sauce and over med high heat quickly shear both sides of chicken.

I do this on our grill.  The sauce can take your breath away at this point so being outside is a huge plus, and I love the grill marks.

Serve with the other half of the sauce.  

I am not a great big fan of traditional Buffalo Chicken.  I think the Brown Sugar helps to

mellow it out and 5 out of 5 kids can't be wrong. 

As a bonus this meal is really reasonable, in the wallet area.

I Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet

President Monson was called as an Apostle of the Lord 50 years ago this month.

I am so grateful to have a Prophet, who leads and guides this Church.

I know in his hands I am safe, because in his hands I am in the Saviors.

He is his spoke person on this earth.

Prophet, Seer and Revelator .

We love you.

President Monson's first conference talk.

Way back in October 1963.

My how the world has changed.

Honest

I was just reading Design Mom's latest post and felt like sharing it.

I love her openness and honesty.  Her clear out look and love of family in this post.

You should go and check it out.

Also I am so happy for General Conference!!!

One of my fav weekends of the year.

Menu Thursday

First thing I thought I would do a recap from my last menu.

We loved the sweet and sour chicken,  it takes a good while to make, but it is super easy.

The pot roast was also good, if I make it again I'll add the juice from an orange, not just the zest.

The Chili was way to sweet for my taste but I shared it with a couple of families (it made a ton),

and most of them liked it.

The Taco bowls are also really good, I used chili verde instead of red salsa.

Without further ado 

This Weeks Menu

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I woke up this morning to a liking ceiling in my kitchen.
Super Lame!!!!
So with all the drama that that causes and not knowing how much it'll cost.
I am going to try and save as much as I can on groceries this week.
I went threw my fridge and cupboards and made a menu out of  mostly things I have on hand.

The Pioneer Woman Potato Soup

Mel's Kitchen Chili
I am on the hunt to find a great chili and this one my friend Danielle loves.

Hobo Dinners

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Spaghetti 

Chicken Tortilla Casserole 

Tortilla Crusted Tilapia 
This is from Costco and has been hanging out in my freezer due to the fact that Justin watch
a show on a Tilapia fish farm.


This weekend is General Conference, which for us means treats and bean dip.
Lucky I have stuff to make treats and mostly what I need for bean dip.

I love conference weekend.  I love being spiritually feed by the Lords Prophet.
If you want to learn more about General Conference click here.