Easter S'moores

Well I'm finally done preparing my taxes now it's off to the tax appointment with my accountant this afternoon. It feels good to have that done and almost out of the way.

Now it's time to finish organizing my craft room so tomorrow I can do some much needed creating! I have several projects I can't wait to get started on. Like these adorable Easter S'mooresThese are just to cute not to make.


Easter S'moores
INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:

1. Reduce 1 sleeve graham crackers to crumbs.
2. Layer 2/3 of the crumbs in a 1 quart jar.
3. Place 8 marshmallow bunny peeps standing up, facing out around the inside of the jar.
4. Press them up against the glass, but don't squash them.
5. Carefully spoon remaining crumbs in the center of the jar to support the bunnies, pressing down to keep it snug.
6. On top of this pour 1-1/4 cup Easter M&M's.
7. Spoon 1/3 cup brown sugar into center of M&M's, gently pressing with a spoon.

Changes: M&M's first, then Peeps, then put combined brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs in baggie. I didn't like how the crumbs made a mess in the jar.

Attach a gift tag giving the following instructions:

1. Empty the jar contents into a bowl. Snip the bunnies into bits with kitchen sheers or cut up with a knife. Return the bunny bits to the mixture. Mix well.
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter; add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour this over the dry ingredients, mixing well. Pat into a greased 9" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
(Makes 9 to 12 bars.)

*Option - leave bunnies whole; combine remaining ingredients and place the bunnies on top; then bake as directed.

*This gift jar may be created to suit any holiday for which marshmallow candies are available.

Knee deep in Taxes

Not much time to blog I'm still knee deep in taxes plus I've been trying to organize my scrapbookroom here in Oxnard.

Since Mark broke his shoulder it will be quit sometime before he gets my cabinets in. I couldn't handle the mess any longer so I bought some plastic storage containers for now. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. I forgot I even had some of the stuff I found. LOL :-)

Now I just need to get the taxes done so I can play. I to make a Spring Banner for a swap I joined. I want to start that and do some pages with the new Sassafrass Lass paper.

I'm hoping I get my taxes done tonight. I was hoping to get them done today but it didn't seem to work out that way. Oh there is still tomorrow. I have to STOP telling myself that or I will never get them done. Oh how I love to procrastinate!

Paperunki Come On Down!

Mark picked #20 from the bottom. The WINNER is Paperjunki.

paperjunki said...
I bought 4 more dolls on e-bay!!! Stop me!!

E-mail me and I will put your package in the mail on Monday. Congratulations!!!!

Today I have to do my taxes. I've put it off as long as I can. I have a tax appointment on Tuesday so no more procrastinating.

When I'm done with my taxes I'm going to treat myself and play with that new paper from Sassafras Lass. I told you I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Hope you all have a great day!

Happy Sring Bloggers!

Happy first day of Spring. It's not looking much like spring here today it's cold and over cast. To brighten things up a bit we are doing our GIVE AWAY today. Here is what one lucky winner is going to be getting in the mail next week. SO DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE US A COMMENT. Mark will pick a winner and I will post the winner tomorrow. GOOD LUCK!


My Sassafras Lass order finally came in....Oh wait until you see this adorable paper. I can't wait to use it!!!! Here are a couple glimpses.






Have I wet your appetite yet? I'm only showing some of the little boy paper. Since I only have boys and I'm always looking for something for boys. There is also some adorable girl papers.

Luck of the Irish

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Are you feeling like you have any of that Irish Luck? As I promised earlier in the month we will be having a drawing for some Spring Goodies. So don't forget to leave us a comment. Mark will be picking a winner sometime on Friday.

I will post a picture of the give away tomorrow. Mark took his sister's home and I left my camera in the truck. His sister is here visiting from Washington and we were out goofing off and I took my camera and forgot to get it out of the truck when we got back. So until tomorrow....have a great evening!

Boy what a day!

It started off with me over sleeping which meant I was running late for my doctors appointment....no worries I'll just speed a little. LOL

I got in my truck and wouldn't start. Da_ _ it. I'm at the retreat so I don't know anyone here so I call Mark. He tells me there is a battery charger that you can plug into the wall and jump your car. :-) Who'd of thought!!!! Oh this is great....Mark is walking me through it when he tells me to release the hood latch. OK if any of you guys are reading this I'm really not dumb. I tell him I can't reach it. That's right I can't reach the hood latch with these short hands of mine. He keeps telling me it's right there under the hood where the butterfly is. OK how dumb does he think I am I can see it, I can almost touch it but I CAN'T REACH IT!!!! I tell him I'll call him back if I can't figure it out. He's not getting that my hand doesn't reach the latch.

I find a paint stirring in the garage so I use that to get the hood open. Pretty smart for a dumb girl. I got the truck jumped however it took awhile for the truck to started.

By this time I'm thinking ok I have an hour to get to my doctors appointment no problem it's only an hour and 15 minute drive. I'll just speed a little LOL I always drive fast but today I'll just have to drive faster...right? Just as I'm heading into Santa Clarita on my down the hill the traffic comes to a halt. NOW WHAT! Is anything going to go my way today? They have the 5 south closed. Can you believe it! Today of all days just when I'm beginning to think I'm going to make it to my appointment

Mark called and I told him I was stuck in traffic he offered to call my doctor to cancel my appointment. I was so bummed. He called me back a few minutes later and said he had changed my appointment to an hour later. YEA!

Now if the freeway just opens in time. I still don't know what happened but they had the 5 south bound closed for almost an hour this morning. It finally opened and I got to my appointment just in time.

The day has finally calmed down for awhile. I'm just waiting for Mark to go to the doctor this afternoon to see if his shoulder is getting better or if he is going to need surgery.

Treasure Hunt

I haven't had time to find or post the pictures for the treasure hunt....however it was a lot of fun. I have to tell you these pirates were already done before I even had a chance to get start. Congratulations to the winners!

When Irish eyes are smiling

Since Saint Patrick's Day is just around the corner I thought I would share these with you.

Who remembers this song?


When Irish eyes are smiling
Sure it's like a morning spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter,
You can hear the angels sing. When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.

There's a tear in your eye,
and I'm wondering why,
For it never should be there at all.
With such power in your smile,
sure a stone you'd beguile,
So there's never a teardrop should fall.
When your sweet lilting laughter's like some fairy song,
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be,
You should laugh all the while and all other times smile,
And now smile a smile for me.

Chorus:
When Irish eyes are smiling Sure it's like a morning spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter,
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.

This time of year always makes me want to be Irish. I'm sure I must have some Irish blood somewhere.

Shopping

Today my friend Lisa and I are off to the antique stores. I have several swaps I'm in so I'm on the hunt for some sweet little goodies for them. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE to shop. Oh my poor husband.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the day with two of my sister-n-laws. We went to Fillmore to the winery and the antique stores. I should say store the stores were not open during the week. How do the stay in business? On the way home we stopped in Santa Paula and visited an antique store there and had the best lunch at on of the restaurants on the main drag. I wish I could remember the name the food was Fabulous.

The restaurants owner had bought booths and pictures from a famous restaurant in Hollywood when it was going out of business years ago and he has now opened this restaurant in Santa Paula. They even have the same menu. If your ever in Santa Paula you should try it out I think the name was MUPU or something like that. It's heck getting old. NO MEMORY.....that why I scrapbook!

And to think I forgot to take my camera yesterday. I guess we will have to take another trip while Debbie is here from Washington. I can come up with any excuse to go shopping. OH not that I need an excuse!

I will show all my goodies I find later so stay tuned!

Dis'd by my BFF

Can you believe I wasn't invited to my BFF Barbie's 50th birthday party. I am so heart broken. I haven't even been invited to see her new place. Some BFF she is.
Look what I missed.



AT THE PARTY:
1,800 pairs of Barbie® sunglasses, 3,500 pairs of tiny shoes and 3,500 mini handbags fill up custom-designed lucite tables
3,000 pink roses, 100 hydrangea and 300 ranunculus make up the centerpieces
Guests can toast Barbie® with signature drinks including, Barbie Doll-icious!, Ken’s Caiprirosca, Strawberry Blonde and It’s a Pink Thing
146 pounds of pink candy including mints, chocolate, licorice, rock candy, gummy lips, jelly beans and more line the dessert table
1,030 pounds of ice make up the cake ice sculpture

INSIDE BARBIE’S HOUSE:
The wall-to-wall carpeting lining Barbie®’s bedroom and hallway feature a custom-designed “B” pattern
Over 200 yards of fuchsia velvet fabric were used to turn Barbie®’s bedroom into the dreamiest place in the house
50 custom-designed Barbie® pink peep-toe Christian Louboutin heels (straight from Barbie®’s first ever Runway Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this February) line Barbie®’s shoe closet
65 reproduction dolls of the original 1959 Black & White Bathing Suit® Barbie® doll were used to create an eye-catching one-of-a-kind wall mirror featured in the main living room
The sitting room’s “hair” chandelier, designed by Chris March (contestant on Season 4 of “Project Runway”), consists of 30 blonde wigs and took more than 60 hours to construct
Two pink plastic poodles on lucite pedestals flank the fireplace
Three pieces of Barbie® vintage art hang on the walls throughout the house, including the iconic portrait of Barbie by Andy Warhol and the Donald Baechler “Ice Cream” portrait
Barbie®’s in-house museum features 25 of the most iconic dolls throughout her 50 years.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BARBIE®:
Barbie®’s custom décor and signature pieces from the Malibu Dream House® will be heading to Las Vegas! This spring, the Palms Casino Resort will launch the Barbie® Suite, the ultimate Vegas destination for bachelorettes, birthdays and anyone who wants to be pampered in pink. Additionally, select items from the house will available for purchase as part of the “Jonathan Adler Loves Barbie” collection launching this September.

I guess a girl can dream. I can't even find out about going on a tour of her new digs. I live close to Malibu so I can't believe she is just ignoring me like this. If I could figure out the address this is one party I would have to CRASH! WATCH OUT BARBIE you may find me at your party yet! Anyone want to CRASH THIS PARTY with me?

Treasure Hunt

AYYY Matey anyone up for a treasure hunt? Head on over to Moonlight Hollow and see the Booty that only lucky pirate is going to win!

Look who's 50 Today!

Happy 50th girl!

Do we have any Barbie fans out there? I have to admit it. I've collected Barbie's for years. I still have my original Barbie, Skipper and Midge. I never was to big on Ken. He just wasn't as fun to dress. No cute shoes.


Did you see the house they decorated in Malibu in honor of Barbie's birthday. Take a look at this.

BARBIE'S NEW LOOK

THE HOUSE IN MALIBU

LIVING ROOM

BEDROOM



OH AND LOOK AT THIS CLOSET....A WALK IN JUST FOR HER SHOES! ONLY IN MY DREAMS!


Anyone else ready to move in?

Irish Cream Almond Cake

I got this recipe from the Odense baking club. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

The convenience of a cake mix with the flavor of Almond Paste and Baileys Irish Cream create one easy but sophisticated tasting cake. And . . . that’s no blarney!


Irish Cream Almond Cake

Time
20 minutes to assemble
45-50 minutes to bake
Total time: 70 minutes
Yield
1-10 inch bundt pan


INGREDIENTS
Ingredients:
1-7 oz box of Odense Almond Paste, grated
1-18.25 oz box Yellow Cake Mix
1-5.1 oz box instant vanilla pudding
4 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream

Glaze:
1 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted
2-3 tablespoons almond liqueur or Baileys Irish Cream
1 tablespoon very soft butter
Optional: green sprinkles

Baked Oatmeal

Here is the recipe for Baked Oatmeal that all of you have been asking for. So sorry I thought I had put it on here before.

Baked Oatmeal

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
3 cups oatmeal
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons baking powder

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375
Mix all ingredients together and pour into 13 x 9 inch buttered pan.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

I also likes to add vanilla and cinnamon. I serve it with chocolate chips, almonds, and cranberries or raisins. This recipe is a must, Even if your not a big oatmeal fan you will like this. It's like eating an oatmeal cookie for breakfast. YUMMMMM!!!

Spring Give Away

Yes, I've joined another swap. It a spring craft swap so I thought as long as I was putting together spring items for the swap I would make a goodie box for you. I will post a picture next week of the spring embellishments.

I have some really cute spring items I'm giving away. You won't want to miss your chance to win! So leave us a comment.


Girl's I told Mark wouldn't rest. He went into work early so he could get here before the group that was coming today. He's so cute. He just couldn't miss out on all the fun!

Old Books

I've been on the hunt for old books. My grandsons were here this past weekend. While they were here their Dad said they each had to read for an hour. I gave one of them a Hardy Boys book which I thought he would enjoy. He didn't like it because it had no pictures. He still read it for the entire hour and after he was done he wanted to read the book his brother read.

I gave his younger brother an old book called Tel me Some more...by Crosby Newell Bonsall. They both read the book from cover to cover. It is such a cute story. Now when we go to the thrift store they want to look at old books.

So I've been on the hunt for books for them to read. Of course I have them hooked on the thrift stores too. They like to go see what they can find. This weekend Jason found a mini skateboard ramp and board he had to have. He was so cute he had no money so I told him he would have to pull weeds for an hour to get the ramp. I want you to know he did a great job!

Next week I will show you some of the goodies we found at the thrift store. Right now I'm headed to the beauty shop to get my hair done then I'm off to the retreat. We have a four day retreat this weekend.

No girls Mark isn't going to stay home. He likes all of you to much to miss out on the fun. Of course he asked the doctor to write him a note so he doesn't have to do dishes. LOL :-)! Will see if he really rest or not. Any beats?

Great News!

Woooo Hoooow Mark doesn't have to have surgery after all. The cat scan showed that his shoulder wasn't as bad as they first thought so they are going to try and let it heal it's self. He goes back in in 3 weeks for another X-ray. Hopefully that will be the end of this story and the bone is growing back together.

If the bone doesn't heal itself in the next few weeks then he will have to have surgery. So for right now he just has to take it easy.....for those of you who know Mark know that isn't going to be easy.

It's March and time for another giveaway. This time I will be giving some lucky winner a box of spring emblishments so don't forget to leave us a comment you won't want to miss out on this goodie box!

Update on Mark

After an MRI on Wednesday Mark was sent to the Orthopedic Surgeon who told him he will be having surgery next week. OK we still don't know when the doctor is going to preform the surgery he is out of town until Monday. Go figure. Poor Mark he's such a trooper. I would be demanding another doctor.

Thursday the surgeon had him go have a cat scan. We go to the doctor on Monday to see if the cat scan shows more damage then the MRI. At that point they will know what they're doing for sure and will schedule the surgery.

If nothing changes once the read the cat scan they will be putting a screw through his shoulder to pull his bone back together. OUCH!!!! Poor guy. Hopefully they will schedule the surgery for Tuesday and he can start the recovery process!

Hobo Stew

Sorry Ladies I really thought this was already on here. This recipe is an old family favorite. I can still see my Dad and Uncle fixing it before we had our family ping pong tournaments. Oh those were the days. I think I was 8 or 9.

The reason this is called hobo stew is it was made in 1/2 pound coffee cans (They don't make them anymore) then they would put them on the grill while we played.

I now do it the crock pot.
Per Person
1 piece of bacon ....line the bottom of the crock pot or dutch oven
1 hamburger pattie (I use meatballs)
1 carrot

layer these items and pour the tomato sauce over top.

1 can of tomato sauce with zucchini or I use plan tomato sauce and fresh zucchini. Beer can also be added for a little extra flavor if desired. I usually will cook this all day. We hope your family enjoys!

Time flies!

Wow where did this week go. I have to say the week has flown by without me even knowing. I sat back one day and couldn't believe I didn't get half or even a quarter of the things done I wanted to but I've been non stop all week. I need some time management or more time in a day!!!

I've been to the doctor's office more times than I want to count this week and I have to go back again today. Mark fractured his shoulder and he has an appointment with the orthopedic doc today to see what they are going to do with his shoulder.

You may want to stop reading here because now I am going to rant and rave about our health care system. I TELL YOU IT SUCKS TO PUT IT MILDLY!!!!

Mark went to the emergency room on Monday because I couldn't get him an appointment with our primary doctor for 3 weeks even though I told them we thought he had torn something in his shoulder. They said he'd have to go to the emergency room. He went to the emergency room where he was there for 4 hours and they told him he needed an MRI but they couldn't give him one he needed to go to his primary care physician to get a referal to have an MRI. What a load of crap when a hospital can't give you an MRI because your insurance won't cover it without an OK from your primary doctor. Come on how much pain does a person have to be in before you do something?

So the next day I took the paperwork to the primary doctor and they wouldn't schedule him an appointment for an MRI until he saw the doctor even with the referal from the emergency room. So I made him an appointment for the next day. That's another day he has to wait for some to do something. At least after seeing the primary care doctor he sent him to have an MRI that day. Finally. Then the doctor tells him he will call him if anything shows up on the MRI. OK but when a week from now?

Mark had a chiropractors appointment that afternoon and she called the imaging lab and asked them to fax over the results right then. Thank goodness someone will do something in a timely manner. That's when we found out he had a fractured shoulder. She told him to go to his doctor right then.

So off he goes to the doctors.... when he gets there the doctor is seeing his last patient and refused to see him EVEN With A FRACTURED SHOULDER. OH that doctor is SOOOOO LUCKY I wasn't THERE!!! Wait until I write my letter to the insurance!

REFUSING to see a patient in that shape what happen to the oath he took? What kind of doctor would do something like that? The receptionist told him he would have to go over to the urgent care. Can you believe it??? I can't. We will be changing doctor's after this plus my insurance is going to hear about him. I just have to cool off a bit before writing that letter.

At least the urgent care doctor set him up with an appointment to see the orthopedic doc today. Wish us luck. I can only pray today goes better.

Massage Therapist

Ladies Wait until you try our NEW MASSAGE THERAPIST....all the ladies are raving about him. Don has special rates just for us....and boy does it feel great after leaning over that table for hours on end trying to get all those pages done. You will be so glad you indulged yourself.


Don and his wife own Rose Mary's Skin Salon in Santa Clarita. If you live near Santa Clarita and you haven't been to their salon yet you're missing out. It's a must! When you go tell them hi for us.... You're going to love them and the services they provide.

If you need more information go to my list of links. I can't get my link insert to work. Sorry

Bird Feeder

You wouldn't believe all the birds we've had at our bird feeders this year. I think they've been telling their friends what great food Mark puts out.... and their friends have been telling their friends.

We have the most beautiful male blue jays and all these little tiny birds with black heads. I'm not sure what they are....but the are sure cute!

Sorry Sue still no Bunnies!

Look who turned 5 yesterday. Happy Birthday Tyler we wish we could have been there. Grandpa and I hope you had a great birthday and lots of fun with Sophie! We love you!

Another Swap

I just joined another swap. It is a vinatge circus swap. It sould be tons of fun....if your interested click on the circus button.

I joined Priscila's Vintage Valentine Swap and let me tell you if you get her for your partner you will have a wonderful box of goodies that are wrapped as nice as the gifts inside.

Look who showed up on my doorstep!!!

Look who showed up at my house today!!!! Isn't she is so cute? The picture doesn't even do her justice. I was soooo hoping she would show up at my house. I've been waiting and waiting for someone to claim her. No one was claiming her now I know why.

I've named them Chickie and Dee. They came from one of the swaps I'm in... Vintage Spring Sweetness. This swap is so much fun. Linda has really out done herself. She is giving a gift a week away to one lucky winner. How sweet is that!
Linda holds swaps each season you should check out her blog....just click on the button to the right

CHOCOLATE CAKE COOKIES

CHOCOLATE CAKE COOKIES

1 box chocolate cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup nuts
Mix all ingredients together. Bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes. Yield: About 3 dozen cookies.

I use all different kinds of cake mixes. Mark's favorite is Lemon. I make a lemon icing to drizzle over them. YUM! I hope you enjoy them. Let me know what cake is your favorite....remember to try something out side the cake mix! You can't go wrong with these any flavor taste great.

Rain Rain Go Away!

Ok where did sunny California go? I'm already tired of the rain....it's a good thing I don't live in Seattle. I know we need it.... but come on these old bones say enough is enough!!!! It's raining cats and dogs here today. I haven't seen it rain this hard in sometime. What's the weather like where you are?

I'm sure if any of you want to come to the snow we're going to have plenty of it at the retreat. It snowed the last two weekends and we are suppose to have snow all this week. YIKES how will I ever get up that driveway? Just kidding you know MARK'S out there keeping it clean. So why not come up and build a snowman

Happy Valentine's Day!

Who will be our Valentine? Drum Roll Please!

And the winner is #14

Guess who's comment is number 14..... OH so pretty Bonnie!!! it's Sarah. E-mail me Sarah and I will send you your gift certificate. Congratulations!!!!

See ladies it does pay off to leave comments daily. Don't stop leaving them you never know when we will be giving something away!

One more day!

Ok this is it you only have one more day to leave your comments so be sure you get them in today!!!

Look at this weather wouldn't you just love to have a picnic in here? It just started snowing more. We are suppose to get a few inches today. I can't wait to see what happens. I love being in the house baking when it snows.

And the winner is??????

Who really wants to win???
It's not Valentines Day yet so you're going to have to wait....but keep getting your comments in. You have until Saturday and it only takes one comment!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I had a great birthday week of celebrating! I have some of the most wonderful friends in the world. You know who you are....Thank you for all the gifts and parties! You all out did yourselves I don't think I could handle anymore partying. But I can't wait to try that new drink.

Can't wait to see who is going to be our Valentine! Good Luck to all of you.

Lets get this party started

The song Lets get this party started has been going through my head all morning. I'm just waiting on my Mom's caregiver to get here so I can leave for the weekend. WHOOO Hooow! I can't wait.

My birthday isn't until tuesday but were starting early! I am so ready for this little break. I'm not sure I'll get much rest but it will be fun. I do see a nice long massage in the forecast and maybe a nap.

Hope you have a great weekend and don't forget to leave a post for the drawing!

Antique Swap Meet

My sister-n-law and I went to the antique swap meet today. I found a really cute little bobble for a friend of mine. My sister-n-law found the cutest Dick and Jane framed prints. Some how she always find the good stuff first! There really wasn't anything to exciting. We went to a couple thrift stores after that but not much there either. So I actually got away with out spending a bunch of money. YEAH!

I still haven't packed for tomorrow and I have no idea what I'm going to work on wile I'm gone. I guess I better get busy and figure it out. I will finally have some new scrapbook pages to show you.

Here is the picture of the Valentine gift I sent my partner.

It was so much fun making this box.

Birthday count down!

Ok I've been getting ready for my birthday. My friends and I are getting together this weekend to scrapbook and party. I'm making them all special little gifts. SHHH it's a secret. It is going to be Valentine's Day soon after all.


Yikes...I've been so busy getting ready for Valentines Day and sending out all the swaps I've joined I haven't even found my pictures or packed yet. I better get busy I'm leaving Thursday....WHOOO HOOO!!!!! Can you tell I'm just a little excited :-)

Oh speaking of swaps I got the most adorable things from my valentine swap partner. She packed my box with all kinds of goodies....and the wrappings were gifts all on their own. They were so nice I hated to open them. I had as much fun looking at the wrapping as I did opening the gifts. Thanks again Priscila!

Tomorrow I'm going to the antique swap meet at the fairgrounds. I can't wait I usually don't get to go because they are on sunday. I hope I don't find to many goodies I can't live with out. I'll let you know what I find.

Happy Ground Hogs Day

"Phil Says "Six More Weeks of Winter!"

Phil's official forecast as read February 2nd, 2009 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:

Hear Ye Hear Ye


On Gobbler's Knob this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2009

Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators

Awoke to the call of President Bill Cooper

And greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths

After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,

Phil proclaimed that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were World Champions one more time

And a bright sky above me

Showed my shadow beside me.

So 6 more weeks of winter it will be.

Here is the link to this article
http://www.groundhog.org
I tried to connect the link for you but for some reason I couldn't get it to work.


OK for those of you who have been waiting for SNOW here is your chance. You have an extra 6 weeks of cold weather. I'm not sure about were you are but it's been hot and windy here!

I'm hoping there is snow at the RETREAT when I get there this weekend.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Who do you think is going to win? Half of my family is hoping for the Steeler's and the half wants the Cardinals. Me I always go for the underdog so we'll see. I really hope the Cardinal win my grandson told me they have a good chance!

I have learned not to bet with my ten year old grandson. He always wins!!! so this year I got smart and told him no. I'm not really into the football game anyway I just watch to see the commercials! How sad is that!

Good luck to your team! Let me know what your favorite commercial was.

A day with the Grandkids

Yesterday I went to Pismo Beach with my youngest Son to see my grandkids we were suppose to be home around 6 but we didn't get back until 10:30. So I was to tired to post.

One of my grandson's is having a birthday on the 18 of Feb. however I'm not going to get to see him for his birthday so I wanted to give him present early. He got a DS for Christmas so he was so excited to get a new cartridge.


My youngest grandson is getting so big.
Look at these curls






Today I've been busy with my 10 year old grandson. His birthday was the end of DEC. and we still hadn't had a chance to go shopping for his present. So today was his day. We started off the day at Starbucks. Grandma needed her Cappuccino and he had to have his strawberries and cream. We then went to the fabric store where grandma took a little longer then she should have. He told the sales lady all about getting sponsored for his skateboard and that I was boring him to death! Then it was off to the skate shop for a new skate board. He was so darn cute. He was telling the guy at the skate shop how he wants to get sponsored. Here is a picture of the skate board he just couldn't live without and Grandma couldn't resit getting him. Especially since he was so good at the fabric store. Even if he I bored him to death!

Here he is doing his tricks.

HAVE TO HAVE ONE OF THESE!!!!

Ok ladies how many of us promised ourselves we would get our scrapbook supplies organized this year....I know I did so here is my solution If you want to know more about this wonderful system click on the picture of it to the right and watch the video. You will be amazed at how much it can hold and how compact it is.I know I have to have one of these and I'm sure once you check them out your going to want one too.

I'm letting my family know this is what I want for my birthday next month. I'll be turning YIKES I'm not telling I can't believe I'm that old. How time flies. Someone asked me the other day how old my son was and I said 30....he's not he's 32. My youngest son is now 30. I guess that gives you some idea how old I'm going to be. If you can guess my age and the date of my birthday I will send you a present.
All I can say to you younger ladies out there is enjoy your children and yourself while your young because time has a way of creeping up on us. A lot faster than we ever expected. You really should take time to stop and enjoy all those small moments they are what makes life special. Remember memories fade as you get older so be sure you get them Scraped Away before they are gone forever.

Wait until tomorrow when I show all the goodies I found at the local thrift store today. Oh your going to want some of these!!! I was there much longer than I should have been. I wasn't kidding yesterday when I said I could spend 4 hours in one store and it still wasn't enough time and mind you this is one of the smaller thrift stores in our area.

I had to race to the grocery store and get my shopping done in 15 minutes so I could make it home before my Mom's caregiver had to leave. I barely made it. I got there just as her ride was driving up.

Thrift Store Addict

I have to admit I have a very addictive personality. For those of you who know me well know that I can't stay out of thrift stores. I could spend hours and hours or I should say I do spend hours and hours looking at what they have that I can alter, fix or just plan repaint.

Today I found this adorable fenton vase for only $1.50 I was tickled PINK!



I also picked up a bunch of old children's books. I can't wait to go through them page by page. There is one book I've been looking for for a very long time. I don't know who the author is but the name of the book is Little Black Sambo if I remember right. It's about a boy stealing a watermelon and it is the cutest story about getting caught and learning your lesson for stealing. I would love to have this book to read to my little grandsons. My Mom read it to me when I was little and I use to read it over and over.

Here is a picture of the poodle I picked up yesterday. Isn't she cute.



Check out that pedicure! Her toenails are painted red....so chic. Do you remember these little cuties? My Grandmother had one sitting on a self and I always wanted her. I'm not sure whatever happened to hers....I'm so excited to have my own. I'm sure she is just the start of many. I saw a whole family of them where I got her and you know someone has to adopt them so they might as well go to a loving home like MINE! Right?

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful day and will come back again soon. I'm off to create something or at least clean up some of the mess in my scrapbook room.

Sneak Peak

Here is a sneak peak at my Valentine Swap gifts. I can't show you everything until everyone has their gifts. Isn't she adorable?

Ok where does the day go when your hang with your girlfriend? It felt like we had just got to the antique store when it was time to go pick up Lisa's daughter from school.

I'll have to show you the adorable poodle I got today. Her toe nails are even painted red. To dang cute!!!

Look at this tree that was blooming in the parking lot of one of the stores we were at. I couldn't resist taking a picture of it. Once I noticed this tree I started seeing them in bloom all over town. They are so beautiful....I'm not sure what kind of tree it is but I had to have a picture of it.

Addicted to Swaps

I know I've really ignored my blog lately but I've been busy joining swaps like a crazed womem. I'm telling you this is a total addiction every time I look someone is holding a swap that sounds like fun. So guess who's joining....you got it me. I can't tell you how many I'm in I think it's somewhere near ten. I will post them all as soon as I figure out how to get their buttons on my blog.

I have 3 Valentine's Day I hope to have finished by Friday. I will give you a sneak peak then. They are so stinking cute!


I've also been working on special little gifts for the girls coming to Scrap-N-Away for Valentine's Weekend.

I'm so excited my girlfriend Lisa and I are going to Traditions tomorrow. Oh this store looks amazing! I can't wait to see all the goodies! Here is the web site so you can check out the store if your interested.
http://www.christmastraditions.com

Potato Crusted Quiche

Don't you just love rainy days!!!! Here in Southern California we don't have them very often so when we do I love to be in doors and bake or read a good book. Today I decided to bake for the girls. I started this morning off making them this potato crusted quiche. They asked if I would post it so here goes.


Potato Crusted Quiche


1 package shredded potatoes
1 stick of butter
salt and pepper to taste

put this in the bottom of a 9x13 pan bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes until it turns slightly brown

Mix together
8 eggs
1 cup milk or 1/2 and 1/2 whichever you prefer
1 cup chopped ham
1 cup shredded cheese

pour on top of potatoes and bake at 350 for 1/2 hour or until a knife in center comes out clean. Hope you enjoy!

I also made Strawberry Cream dipped in dark chocolate. Oh were they ever YUMMMMY!

Mark just brought some lemons from his Mom's tree so I think I'm going to make some lemon bars tomorrow.

I been busy trying to get organized so I can finish up some of the projects I have started. That's one of the promises I made to myself this year. I also have to use up what I have before I can buy new. Oh wait I better hurry CHA is this week. DARN why do I keep making these promises I have to break!

I found a really cute way to organize my ribbon. This is about the sixth time I've tried something different. Do any of you have a favorite way to organize your ribbon? Just in case I don't like this either.


I've decided that I'm going to give away a retreat on Valentine's Day so leave a comment everyday from now until Valentine's Day for a chance to win! I will have one of the girls who are here that weekend pick a name. GOOD LUCK! Tell your friends.

Dessert is done so I have to run.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

I found this recipe on Bakerella a few days ago and I can't wait to try them this weekend. Don't they look heavenly?

What could be better than brownies and chocolate chip cookies....unless you add a little vanilla ice cream. YUMMMMMM! For those of you that know me know I never follow a recipe so I have an idea to kick these up a notch. I have a feeling these maybe your new favorite.


I'm getting excited about CHA I'm having a hard time deciding on what to order there are so many great lines out there. Oh wait until you see all the great stuff these manufactures have come up with. It's so over whelming. They keep sending me previews. Oh this is really going to hurt my wallet! I'm going to try real hard not to go to over board.

Down for the count

I thought I would escape the flu-cold thing this year. OH BOY was I wrong. I've had this stuff for a few days now and I'm more than ready for it to go away. I can't remember the last time I was this sick. Well, enough of that. Let's talk about something fun.

Today I decided it was time to get out of the house and go shopping. What else is a girl to do? :-) So I called a girlfriend and off we went for the day.
Oh wait until you see the cute stuff I got Valentine's Day. I hope your coming up before the end of February. You definitely aren't going to want to miss out on these goodies. I'm having way to much fun! Do the words Vintage,Lace,Cupid,Hearts,Chocolate and Valentines give you any ideas?

I really should be in bed it's almost 2 A.M. but I wanted to share with you what I've been up to. Hopefully you will get to see soon. Sweet Dreams

Valentines Day

Don't you just love Valentines Day? I sure do! Wouldn't you love to get one of these boxes filled with all sorts of goodies like ribbons,buttons,glitter ect. I know I would! I saw this on someones blog and decided I needed to make them they are just to cute. So don't be surprised if I pick you to be my Secret Valentine!

I hope you get a chance to do something creative today. I'm going to start on my boxes and cards before I head out for the retreat. Have a great day!

Busy getting ready

I've been busy making make-n-takes for all of you coming up in Jan. and Feb. I have the cutest idea for Valentine's Day. You'll have to visit us to see it....sorry.

Mark and I took yesterday and just relax. I guess we both needed it more than we thought. We love having the family and enjoying the Holidays with family and friends. You just don't know how exhausted you are until everyone is gone and you sit down. Could it be we're getting older... I hope not! I spent the day reading and Mark stayed on the couch most the day. For those of you that know Mark know he never sits still for long. I think I even caught him taking a nap.

Today was all about getting back to work. I have my idea done now I just have to get all the make-n-takes done. We have a number of people coming before Valentines Day. I hope your one of them. If not there is still room.

Don't for get about our Valentine's Day Special. Join us for Valentine's Day Weekend and we will give you Thursday night free for being our Valentine! We have a fun filled weekend planned so don't miss out on the fun. We hope to see you soon.

Happy New Years!

Happy New Years!

I've been busy playing with my grandson. He just went home today.....I've had so much fun. We played Peter Pan and Tink and flew around the park for hours. I think if he lived here I would actually be thin. I never realized how much exercise you can get going up and down on a slide.



He had a New Years Eve party with two little friends of his. Here they are playing his new DS. His favorite present ever!









Have you made your New Years Resolutions? Here are a few of mine.

Finish the remold at the Oxnard house.
Be more organized.
Spend more time being creative.
Spend more time playing with the grandkids.
Spend more time with friends.

I think my New Years resolution should just read better time management. What ever your hoping to accomplish this year I wish you the best.