Springers

The Journey Begins

2012-01-25T22:09:00.000-08:00

Kevin and I have moved a lot....more then some, less than others but for my liking a LOT. We've never been in one place longer than a year hence apartments and rented town homes you know, for a fast move, no need to sell. Since moving here to Utah EvErYtHiNg has changed. Kevin adores his job and is valued in return. He wants to stay here. I want to stay here. The boys love it here and we have made so many dear friends in this specific area...we don't want to leave. The plan was to stay in this town home for a few years and just save. That was the plan. I am always the one looking out the window longingly at houses. Whatever wrapping they came in, big, small, ornate, simple, interesting, ALL appealed to me. I think for me, buying a house meant NOT moving, stability. I feel like I have met so many people through the years that no matter how close we were, the faces are getting all smooshed together till I find, when texting for a girl's night, I accidentally invite someone from our "Virginia Days". I've often gone into a store and gone right to the aisle I know something should be, just to realize that the layout of the Oregon store (blush). Since moving here I still like to look at houses but I've been so happy knowing we are going to be in this home for such a long while I didn't look as much. Little did I know that Kevin was pulling a "Jen" and looking like CRAZY!!! When he brought it up, I was shocked. I didn't think it was real, possible, or even legal for the Springer Family to consider such a thing! Looking turned into liking, into considering, into praying hard to know, then a promotion, interest rates being what they were, all we had saved and BAM! It turned into calling a realtor and seriously looking. After looking at quite a few we decide to build exactly what we wanted since we would be living in this home for 104 years...(Kev promised me).

I don't want to forget this process so this will be something ongoing that I will update here on the blog. Plus my conversations will be easier with my mom now that she can see what I'm talking about and give me more ideas =). It all came together really nicely and, oddly, very quickly. We were kind of picky and couldn't believe ended up finding a lake view lot opposite the golf course, still here in Saratoga Springs (yay!) and a great custom home builder. Here it is:

The fence behind us lines the quiet main road, behind that the golf course then Utah Lake. The picture was taken by me on the road that our front door will face and the back windows will face the lake and mountains. LOVE seeing that reflection! Since we aren't from here, it's still pretty majestic to just sit and stare at those mountains. I'm already having vision of me curled up on the couch with hot cocoa watching it snow...heaven. Here's an early rendition of the house. There have been a few changes but not many. It consists of the two floors show then a basement below.

Naive me, though, thought how fun it would be to pick everything out and have no limits like, these are your four choices for carpet, you may have this or this for your appliances and so on. I soon realized what a daunting task it was to look at a tiny square of stucco and know if that was to be "the one". How the JUNK was I supposed to know what that would look like on a whole house? Kev and I decided the best way to choose would be to go to existing homes and choose their same color of rock and stucco knowing it would already go well together. Here is the one we chose.

I love the warm brown and the rock color but we've chosen a different cut. We are also not doing brick in addition to stone. Our shutters will also be that same brown color and we will have Tuscan looking flower boxes on a few windows with greenery. Below are the plans. First one is the main floor, second is the second story and the third is the basement plans roughly sketched out. My silly little doodles of course only make sense to me and my crazy mind at this point. For instance, Kevin's office (the one with the big #5 written on it) has "pretty" on it to remind me that's where the more ornate light goes. Kevin saw that written there and got a little afraid of what I may have been planning behind his back ; ). Also, the numbers are there so that I can number the boxes of things that I pack and people will know where to put them. On the second floor you'll see there is a wide open space and that's because it is open to the living room below so that whole wall can be windows looking out the back. I know I'm going to make mistakes here and there but on our somewhat hectic journey I have found some really great people that have given me their time, thoughts and advice on what they wished they would have done or what they have done and think we should consider. Among some of the greats? Putting a hot/cold spout in the back so that when I hose off the boys it doesn't have to be with freezing water, put a motion light in our master closet, lots of storage and a counter top in the laundry room, outlets above the cabinetry and a switch below to control them, auto light in the pantry and lighting in the eves outside. Keep em coming guys!!! =) One of you leave a comment that says Jen MUST have a secret bookshelf hidden door thing so Kev knows it's NOT just me that thinks so ; D.

Until the next update...hopefully the one to say they have actually broken ground now that they are going on three weeks late, goodnight!

2011, Our Story

2012-01-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

What a year to look back on. I have never experienced such a drastic change as I was able to see for me and my family in the year 2011. Did you know we are coming up on a pretty important date to me? Come Jan. 15th this will be the first location that we have stayed at longer than a year in our almost 8 years of being married. When we move next it will be our 12th move. Before moving to Utah to accept Kevin's new job life was very different for us. Idaho was our first home. Our boys were both born there and we built our first home there. Even though we have many friends that we love and happy memories it was the darkest time of my life. We left the only job Kevin has ever known to try our hand at a new job all the way over in Virginia to be transferred only three short months later to Denver. After 4 months there we packed up and moved to Oregon. Kevin and I both felt strongly that he would not go any further in his career if he didn't finish the 6 short months of schooling he had left. The thought of going back to Idaho terrified me. Knowing it would only be for 6 months I felt it could be done and we packed up yet again. After 6 months there and graduating (YAY!) we moved back to Oregon and this time tried to do it the right way. Meaning Kev would focus solely on his finding a job in his field. So it was off to work for me to help support our family. I was able to go fulltime in my passion of makeup artistry working on photo shoots, wedding, fashion shows, designer shows, and fashion week. For almost 8 months Kevin was unemployed and it felt like an eternity! Our living situation was a difficult one and tested us almost to the breaking point. Still we felt blessed to know we were on the right path and that the Lord had not forgotten us. It may not matter to some but during this time I was so unhappy that somehow 45 extra pounds had creeped in and I wouldn't let anyone take my picture. For so long we hadn't heard anything then within two weeks Kevin got FOUR offers from various companies. WHAT?!? Was this really happening? We prayed and prayed to make the right choice and eventually (and reluctantly on my part) decided to favor the offer that came from Utah. Because of my time spent in Idaho I had SO many reservations of moving to another place that had such a high concentration of members of our church. I cried and cried thinking I would sink back into depression, that I would be a bad mother and wife but I trusted that all would be well. We had gotten our answer and we had to have faith in it. We had a month to pack our things (we are experts at this point) and headed off in the first few weeks of January.....not an unscary time to drive eh? We hadn't ever lived in Utah and were only familiar with one area (where Kev's sister lives) so we decided to look there for a place to live until we found a more permanent residence. I have to say, I have loved it here since day ONE! It feels like forever since we have lived alone, just our family. It's something I had definitely taken for granted. I am also pleased that I have been running for over a year, lost all the weight I gained and then some and completed a half marathon in October and my next one is coming up in May. Also since moving here Kayson has made great friends at school which made for a wonderful summer full of activities. Swimming lessons with friends, soccer games, parties, enjoying our pool every day of summer, making best friends in our new ward, Branson started school for the first time, a new school for Kayson, me expanding my makeup business and best of all a huge promotion for Kevin at work. He is now Creative Director and our dream home will start being built in one week! We felt so blessed this year and, remembering our situation last Christmas, were able to provide for three other families to have a great Christmas. It feels humbling to be able to finally be in a position to truly help others. I am so grateful for all of those people that helped us in our journey and in such hard times. I am excited for this year, for 2012. I hope that I can make a difference this year. I hope to be a good friend, wife, mother and daughter of God. I read Jeffrey R. Holland's talk today "The Best Is Yet To Be" (2009 conf talk) and feel so inspired. The future is truly bright, full of possibilities, trials to overcome, and memories to make. I love you all and hope that you are well, that you are happy and that you feel you can turn to me if you aren't. Here's to making 2012 your favorite year!

How Cool Is This???

2011-12-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

Time of Rest

2011-12-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

Life can get so crazy this time of year. We have parties, school presentations, gift buying, Christmas cards to send, family to spend time with, church functions and then on top of everything else...everyday life needs to take place. I have to admit I love the feel of being busy. Having something going on everyday and getting TONS done, but that can only last for so long, even for me. Some days I feel I take on way too much and all the other things, little and big get put aside. My house for example was a MESS just last night and a touch of this morning. I hadn't run in almost five days, I was sleeping in (for me that means till 7:30/8) and I could feel myself getting worn down. This week was one of those weeks where I truly felt it couldn't have been more busy. We signed on Monday to start building our dream house right across from the lake and with that came SO many decisions. A lot of decisions we have been making ever since we were married since home design, in all aspects, is a huge passion of both Kev and myself. It's fun but stressful. Add to that the before mentioned list of parties and various functions and by Saturday night I was DoNe!!! As we got ready for 9am church I was thinking about a comment a friend of mine made once in regard to the Sabbath. It is a day of rest, we know this, but he said let us be super productive during the week so that we crave that Sunday rest. Not to skip church and be home or sleep all day but to really need our batteries charged spiritually to face another week. I kept thinking this as I sat there through wonderful meeting of great talks and lessons. I thought about how missing today I would have ReAlLy put myself behind spiritually and how I would have to play catch up through out the week and never be able to do it. Kind of like when the Holidays come and I vow not to gain weight but maybe lose it to be ahead of the game come the new year. Or spend less than I did last year, again, ahead of the game for the new year. By going to church this Sunday when I was really tired and somewhat broken I feel I really put myself and my family "ahead of the game" spiritually. I heard things I needed to hear. I saw friends I needed strength from and I felt my Father in Heaven's love for me. We came home to a still dirty house, ate a really good lunch and took naps. Blankets never felt so warm, our bed never felt so comfortable and I don't think I tossed once =). We woke up feeling great but I still wasn't ready to clean ;). I decided to make as few plans as I could this week and that no matter what I was going to get my butt up at 5 and RUN!!!

The alarm sounded at 4:30 and after one snooze I was up. After running I came home and did two loads of laundry, two loads of dishes (yes, there were that many), made Kayson's lunch for school, Kevin a lunch for work, swept a VERY embarrassing floor, vacuumed, cleaned my room, gathered toys, and turned to see Kevin pale as a ghost.

He has the flu.

I sent him upstairs with soda crackers and Sprite and told him to stay up there. I then disinfected all door knobs, handles and pulls in the kitchen, light switches and anything else he may have touched. I downed some Airborne and got some mixed for the kids, along with their morning pro-biotic and promptly took the small candy OUT of Kayson's lunch. I really think today would have gone much differently had I slept in and not had that boost from my run this morning. Being someone that's not always on top of things, it feels good today. I feel ahead of the game. In other news I'll probably have the flu tomorrow.

B's First Day (catch up series)

2011-11-10T08:05:00.001-08:00

Boy do I have some updating to do. I realized that I hadn't yet shared so many great family experiences here. For instance, Branson has been DYING to go to school ever since Kayson started a kindergarten.We felt that Mr. B would not be able to wait until he could go to KG so we decided to give preschool a try. We met with his teacher at the school (where Kayson went to KG) and could tell that Branson would LOVE it. A brand new school was built closer to us so Kayson switched to that one and they made Kayson's old classroom (where B would come in to volunteer with me a bunch) into the preschool room. Branson could NOT believe that he would be in Kayson's old room and felt very at ease very fast since he had been there a bunch already. We love his teachers and can't believe all that he is learning! We love you B-Boy!!!!!

He picked out his own binder, which was almost bigger than he was.

Yeah, I'm four =)

Ready to go!

Bye Mom and Dad!!!

Dropping off his backpack.

Running to the shiny new playground.

(giggle)

Bell has rung, time to get in line.

I can't believe I'm in school!

All done for the day and I did GREAT!!!!!

Jumping up into Daddy's arms =).

He couldn't stop telling us all of the fun things he did!

Running

2011-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

I have been running for only a year now. I can't believe it. I used to HaTe running! I only joined cross country in high school for two reasons, one because I really wanted to be apart of something. Two, because as much as I didn't want to admit it (for still wanting to be "cool") I really did like my brothers and wanted to be around them. They were in it so I signed up to. I wasn't bad but I lacked conviction, embarrassed that I turned all red/purple when I ran, and I really hated it. Soon I came up with any excuse I could not to run and the whole team dubbed me "B.E." (bad excuse). I was ashamed and swore I wouldn't go back! When I went to Time Out For Women in Oregon last year a few of us talked about running together. I was already disgusted with how I had let myself go and was willing to try AnYtHiNg...even running. We walked everyday for about a month since we were all so new to the idea. Then jogging came then some running......THEN.......we moved. I was so sure that I would quit without my girls. I wasn't enough in the habit of getting up to go out that I KNEW there was no way I would without my support group. I didn't know anyone where we were moving aside from my sister-in-law and she is hard CORE! I couldn't ask out of sheer embarrassment. I went from running everyday to nothing for three weeks. I was surprised at how sad that made me. I would look at all of these runners, bikers, skiers...anythingers that were here in Utah. I saw what an active state it is and I really wanted to be a part of it. I was even more surprised when I put out feelers in the ward for a running buddy. Enter my cute running buddy =), Miss Stephanie G!!! We decided to start running in the evenings everyday, signed up for a 5K and got bit by the running bug. Her more than me but still we were willing to go even further and started to do a specific training and mornings at 5am became our time. We signed up for a half marathon in October and began to hit the pavement. Our everyday runs grew to 5 or 6 miles and Saturdays were our longer runs. The longest being 12.5 miles. We were feeling good and I felt so much happier. I have shed a little over 20 lbs and have never felt stronger! I know I'll look back on this entry and laugh because I hope to have grown even more but I wanted to record my feelings. I love where we are living (never thought I would feel that way about Utah), I love my family, I love Kev's job, I love my career and how it's finally growing after starting over here. I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father for never giving up on me and my family. For guiding our steps even though it may have seemed to us that we had no path at all. For teaching me humility, patience, understanding, the true meaning of friendship and conviction. The thing I sorely lacked so many years ago. My one wish now would be to have my family come to a race. Where I could see Kev, the boys, my brothers, my sister, my mom and dad there at the finish line. That would really be cool. Pretty symbolic of the eternal finish line I guess. In both cases, I want to finish strong. The end.

Buying shoes at Portland Running Co. with Laurel and Branson. It was such an exciting day. I had saved and worked hard to earn them on my own. Before then I had been running with Payless Shoes I had for the gym. Sad, I know!

I bought Saucony Guides and LoVeD them until I realized they didn't give me a large enough size. Insert toenail falling off every two weeks = (. Plus...I could stand to lose quite a few lbs!

Loved these bags eh Laur? =)

Moving to Utah was hard but finding Steph was a miracle!!! Here we are at our first 5K. I hadn't run in a race since like Sophmore year in high school!!!

Excited to start!!!

The boys practicing for their own future races =)

Before the 10K

Some girls from our ward ran the 5K at the same race. It was awesome to hang out with them and their families.

Primary buddies =)

Amy, Jen, Steph and April. Snowing outside, under 40 degrees but still excited to start!!!

I was so glad that Kev was there at the end of my first half. He popped out of bushes along the way to snap pics of us and I couldn't have been more excited to see him each time. It made me feel special and that I was doing something worth documenting.

My First Interview...Eek!

2011-10-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

I was asked to interview Senior Vice President Beverly Hollister of Xango a few weekends ago. Xango was having their global convention in Salt Lake City and were making some pretty big announcements in their beauty division. I was so humbled by the task and scared out of my mind! Only to get there, meet her and have a New York editor want to sit in on the interview!!! I forgot to even ask her to brag about the new products I was so nervous! That put aside I think I did okay and I'm surprised at how changed I have become since then. First I am reading the labels of ALL beauty products I go to buy beFORE the purchase. It seems these days that you can't get anything without parabyns and PEGs in your skin care. I was so happy that Xango gave me a slew of prodocts to giveaway on my cosmetics blog! Go become a follower leave a comment saying that you are and you can be entered in to win! These products are 100% safe and really effective! Here is a pic of all the products I am giving away!

I was able to meet darling Misha, who formulates most of the makeup at Xango.

Xango is also sponsor of the Real Soccer Team, so I got to meet a few of the players. That was fun to tell Kev =D.

All in all it was such a wonderful experience and I learned SO much!Soon I will be having another giveaway for a wonderful book by Stacy Malkan "Not Just A Pretty Face, the Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry". She was the editor that wanted to sit in on our interview and boy was she incredible. I hope to speak with her again soon after I have read more of her book and give you some more insight into her motivations. Here is the interview and the giveaway =).

Another Project DONE!

2011-08-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic that the old hubs took of Branson's animals on his new bed =). Kevin has worked so hard on these beds and has endured me nagging when he hasn't (you know how it goes). He'll be the first to tell you that making something from scratch is NO JOKE! Once the first one was finished and he could see that all of his hard work had paid off the second only took ONE DAY to finish. I had already prepped the head and foot boards and painted the side rails for him. It was just a matter of putting everything together and cutting a few more pieces of wood. I LOVE how they turned out!!! I also kinda love that the boys aren't on their mattresses on the floor anymore =). Since our bedroom is basically done (pictures to come in the next post) I figured we needed to get going on the boys' rooms. I am still needing to out their decor up but the beds ReAlLy made the room look more finished. What do you think?

Laundry Room Reveal

2011-08-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

So the house is still a work in progress but the risers are DONE!!!!! Kevin finished them and I was SO excited to get them into place that we didn't even have time to call another manly man to put the washer and dryer on top. That's RIGHT! We did it ourselves = D. I found some fabric that I really loved, framed and hung it in there and am now looking for the perfect rug. It drives me CrAzY to hear the baskets scratching against whatever grain of sand or lint fragment that might have been lurking on the floor. Oooooooh I just got chills THINKING about the sound! Bedroom progress coming soon =).

Some of Kayson's Party Pictures

2011-07-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here are the invitations. We cast his fingers and cut each little one....yes, to some, he gave the middle finger. Scandalous!

Here is the cupcake station. Kids had three pictures to look at and choose from. Either an eyeball, a spider or a mummy.

Here they had to pin the smile on the jack-o-lantern...after being spun by my cute niece Sadie of course =).

I wish I had more pictures of this one. The kids loved the Mummification Station! They had to wrap one person in their group, see how long it took them and then try to beat that time on the next doomed member of the group. Being in a house full of boys we don't use as much toilet paper as other homes so it was nice to see it go to something = D.

The scotch tape mummy cups. In the cauldron was the "witch's brew". It had Sprite, Limeade and lime sherbet.

Upstairs in the haunted house they crushed bones, felt slimy eyes, brains and ate a worm (jello of course...or was it?)

Kayson asked to be Dracula but was nervous that I may not be able to do his makeup. I assured him that I had some talent in that area ; ).

25 kids ended up coming so Kayson had a LOT of unwrapping to do! I don't think he minded though LOL.

Darling little Sammy. Kayson said that he had contemplated marrying her...(he IS in KG right??? I don't remember starting that early!!!)

I love this picture! These girls were so cute throughout the whole party! Oh and btw, the little girl in the Belle costume is whom Kayson has decided to marry...oh brother! But I do love her =).

Branson is hopeful that Kayson will share all of his yummy candy, which he was nice enough to do....with only a little coaxing.

Thriller came on and I challenged ALL to a dance party!!!!!

The mummified cups again just a bit closer up.

Decor around the house...

Two of the treats that went into the gift bags.

The gift bags had moons on them and we added little black bows to look like bats.

Kevin's cobweb. Yeah, he'll now do all of them at Halloween now that I know he does them so well. Thanks Babe!

The mummy was where the mummification station was. Also you can see my severed hand in my apothecary jar all pink and disgusting. It looks like it came off of a PIG! *shudder* I wanted it to be more skin toned, ah well it was a GrEaT party and I wanted to thank Hayden, Amy, Sadie, Lindsey and Stefany for being such GREAT station leaders!!!

MmmmmmBOP!!!!

2011-06-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Remember Hanson? Remember that they had a few GrEaT songs? So they are all grown up, no more pudge and have an AWESOME song!!! Click below to have a little listen. I think it's darling =).

Kayson's Birthday...In the Planning Stages

2011-05-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

So Kayson asked if he could have a Halloween birthday party and I was ALL for it...then I got sick. Party planning for me, even if it's just searching the web and writing ideas needs to start soon. I feel since I've been sick this past week that I am WAY behind. I don't mind too much because this is something I love to do, therefore doesn't cause stress as much as it causes bouts of joy =). Kayson and I sat down and he told me what he wanted and I told him what he could have out of all those things. Luckily decor for this type of bash is sitting out in my Halloween box just screaming to come out!!! I found some invitation that I thought were perfect and I'm glad he was game...especially since he is my neat freak and this was NOT going to be clean (insert evil chuckle).

We cast his finger and roughed it up with India ink and settled it onto reindeer moss. The ribbon is to signify remembering to come to this costume party =). Here's the original picture from Martha that we went off of.

My childhood friend Lindsey and I have been having so much fun going out together since we now live in the same state. She called me up this weekend and said a dArLinG store was having a sale on Halloween stuff and told me to rush over. Rush I did and I found some great stuff!!! Can't wait to show you everything we do but for now, here are the inspiration pics!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. What's not to love? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

Love that this is so crisp and creepy at the same time.

ARE YOU kidding ME?????? We are SO making these mummy dogs!!!!!

I want to make these pretzels and send them home in the goody bags. I also saw a cute picture where they were dipped all in white with a ghost face =).

There will be a cupcake station where the kids can choose to make one of three designs. A spider, an eyeball or these cute mummies.

YUM!

I would love to make these. Then again I would love to believe Bakerella when she said they were easy. I made them...they are NOT that easy!!!

I want a candelabra I neeeeed a candelabra!!!

TOTALLY going to make these. You bunch bendy straws together and pour raspberry jello inside and let them set! "Nobody likes me, everybody hates me..."

Take home treats. I think I'll use raisins for bat dropping to send them with SOMETHING remotely healthy.

LOVE the drink ideas! I think I will use the clear disposable cups but still wrap them up.

Can't WAIT to put pumpkins up on candlesticks and spell books out, a raven in my birdcage and skulls on my plate holders =).

Tables...Almost Done!

2011-05-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

Just need to get the rod iron on the front after the top coat dries =). The whole project cost under $100 for BOTH tables!!!

Fun, But Crazy Weekend

2011-05-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

So I am doing great in Utah, I really am, I love it.......but I ADORE Portland and have missed it greatly. It's quirky, unexpected, fun, artistic and fits me like a glove. I was so happy to travel back this weekend for some great times and photo shoots. Friday was packed with rushing from the flight to grab my rental car, shopping and a shoot that night.

I was so pleased with my cute little ride and rushed off to my first appointment....shopping with my dear friend Nicole!!!!! I had missed her so much and it was so great to hit up our favorite haunts and eat yummy food. The next morning I awoke at the crack of dawn to bid farewell to Nicole and head out on the road to the wedding. The bride was lovely and her bridesmaids charming. They were all so beautiful it made my job super easy.

Next I went straight to the airport to catch my flight down to California. My "who did you sit by" companion was Mary. A lovely woman from Sacramento who had just been visiting her daughter and very first grandson. We chatted and laughed talking about babies and my life when I lived in Siberia. We walked out together, rushing somewhat as I had to get home quickly and she had to pick up her cute pup before the kennel closed. I was then met by a tall dark and handsome man that I lovingly refer to as Dad and we rushed to my childhood home to get my little sister ready for her Senior Ball.

It was wonderful to spend time with my family and meet some smooshy nieces and nephews I had not yet met. That night my Dad took me and my sisters-in-law, my grandmother and great grandmother, in from Hawaii, out to our fav restaurant where we just sat for hours eating, talking, laughing...it was a dream. I left the following evening and was lucky in my travels again in the "who did you sit by" category. Lovely Christine was my companion on this leg of the trip and we talked as if we had known each other for years. Her daughter was off doing service in New Zealand and was named Jen as well. Unfortunately it was SUPER windy upon arrival and we had to circle for what seamed like FOREVER in gusts of wind in a tiny plane. Needless to say I enjoyed the lunch my mother so lovingly made for me before I left but didn't keep it down. Christine, you are a beautiful soul and I thank you for the patience and grace under fire that you exuded =). YUK! I am now home, safely on the ground, in my pjs still and about to take a nap!

Happy Anniversary Is RIGHT!!!

2011-05-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Kevin REALLY out did himself this year. Since it was the same weekend as Mother's Day I bet he thought that he had to really impress...........and BOY did he!!! The night before he asked if he could give me something. He went upstairs and grabbed what looked like a tiny laminated menu. He told me that this year his gift to me would go for our anniversary and Mother's Day together. I was fine with that =).He gave me a card telling me that the boys would be taken care of all day, I had mani pedi first, got my hair done at the house while a cleaning crew came to deep clean. We shared a delicious meal at Cafe Rio then back home for my 3:00 surprise. He told me to pack and said we would be staying at a hotel in Salt Lake that night =). We packed all of our stuff and set out to check in and take a nap before our movie started at 5:20. We went to see Something Borrowed....which sadly left me wanting a bit, but it was still fun to cuddle and munch on popcorn =). I don't know about you but I can NOT watch a movie without my tub o popcorn loooove. Then we were off to a lovely dinner at the Bohemian Brewery where we at the most WONDERFUL German cuisine!!! The bread and soups were to die for and I had the special which was a steak roast, with flakes of fish on top, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. I was in heaven!!!!! What a day. We were both so tired it was nice to know we still had a full night ahead without needing to put down our kidlets. We crashed watching our fav episodes of friends and actually SLEPT IN!!!!! It was glorious and I am SO grateful for Kevin and his thoughtfulness. You will be BLOWN away next year Kev....I'll let you play at the MAC store all day, play video games without nagging, no projects, golfing oh the list could go on and on =). The last seven years have been an adventure and I'm excited for our future and that I get to spend it with you.

Cinco De Mayo...And A Trifle?

2011-05-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

We had some friends over for the celebration that is the cinco of May and wish I would have taken more pictures. I went to the dollar store and got fun goblets with umbrella straws, cut the top off a green pepper and filled it full of chopped tomatoes and we all had taco salads in crisp taco bowls. We finished the night off with games. Hope you had fun too!

These were the cups from the dollar store. Branson said I could have a pink one =).

I made my first trifle! On Cinco De Mayo oddly enough but STILL!!!! It was yummy and I can't wait to make another one =).

I got these goblet like glasses at the dollar store and can't WAIT to make tiny individual trifles for guests =).

SUCH A Great Conference

2011-05-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

YAY Women's Conference!!! Here is me Steph and Aimee rockin it in Provo!!! =) Aimee's parents were kind enough to host us and show us a good time. I still can't believe they are neighbors to Larry King...weird!

Monica Mary was able to come down one night and share a little Timpanyaki with us =). Pictures are never great on a phone are they?

Now ON to the conference!!! I for sure wasn't prepared for some of the "crazies" to come out but some women were truly ruthless in getting to certain classes. My friend Chelsy even tried to warn me that even her husband steers clear of campus during that time. Um, hi? Remember how we are all here to feel the spirit and better ourselves? Yeah, some ladies were just plain mean but NOT enough to have me cancel my plans for next year!!! My mom is going to come and I have so many things planned for us! Some highlights for me: Hearing from Sister Beck, my friend Leigh Ann Wilkes on the pitfalls of technology, the amazing CONCERT (below) on Thursday night (for those of you that don't know about my crush on Hilary Weeks, well, now ya do) hearing from Stephanie Nielson (above) and her sisters (one of which called President Uchtdorf a silver fox...I could have DIED!!!) and spending time with one of my best friends! We stayed in a house in Provo where they have a golf house. You know, where you go in a feel ridiculous golfing into a screen and it tells you how far you DIDN'T hit it??? Oh is that just ME that they computer actually laughs at when they attempt to swing and NOT hit the ball? Embarrassment ensued and laughter was inevitable. Here are some pics from the trip...

Cheri Call...oh how I love her. I had never heard much of LDS artists till I went on my mission and she was one I was introduced to while serving. Her voice is unique and beautiful. Her words can be deep or simple with profound meaning. I love listening to her and will forEVER be a fan.

David was funny and quite the charmer when a cute little old grandma laid one right on him!!! = D

Kirby was our host for the concert. I must say that I don't like the way a lot of "Mormon movies" are handled or the way some turn out. I had seen him in a few but it was the Best Two Years where I really liked this guy. It, to me, was a more real depiction of a mission and he was such a different guy in it. That should sound dumb to most of you but don't you think sometimes actors keep playing "themselves" all the time? The role may change, but somehow it's the same person with the same quirks and the same overall feel. Then there is someone like Tom Hanks that when he is paying Forest Gump, that's all you see him as. Then he completely changes on you as a plane crash survivor then he's a space commander on Apollo 13. I'm a Hanks fan and now a total Kirby Heyborne fan. He was so genuine in his love of missionary work in that movie that my heart just melted for the guy. He was SO funny at the concert! =)

Hilary, Hilary, oh Hilary Weeks. I truly feel that in times of deepest despair that this woman kept me going on my mission. She sings from her soul about experiences we all have. About when we are scared, lost, happy or so filled with the spirit we don't even know what to do with ourselves. I could listen to her sing all day every day and I really mean that. I cleaned house for a friend for two days and Hilary was just singing away to me =). I have met her now three different times and I tell her the same thing each time. Thank you for keeping me going on my mission. I'm going to start adding..."and I love you." LOL It's really rare to find someone that sounds the EXACT same live as they do on their CD...that would be this girl!!!

This is Jenny Oaks Baker. She gave me CHILLS as she played How Great Thou Art on her violin and made me cry as she so sweetly played Baby of Mine from Dumbo. To see someone SO good at what they do really makes me happy. I am now a fan of hers too =).

I had never heard of this girl (April Meservy) but her voice was so soothing and beautiful that I am going to find out more and get some of her music. The song she sang I am still on the hunt for. It was so beautiful and haunting in a way and the melody changes were just SO beautiful...I mentioned it was beautiful right? If you want to go to this girls next concert with me let me know cuz it's coming up on June 4th!!!

So, I must admit that at first these boys were pretty cliche. Mormon boys that knew how to sing, tried to dance to Michael Jackson but failed miserably...then...they started gettin kinda funny. By the end I was dying, wetting my pants and begging for more!!! If you want to see a GREAT recap of the concert I found one on YouTube and you can see what I mean =). Click here to see it!

House Progress...But Mostly the Bedroom =)

2011-04-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

Okay so the bedding is still quite the work in progress. We went to a local furniture store, put on blinders as we walked straight to clearance and found this bed. I LoVe this bed!!!!! The knobs at the foot of the bed were missing (I like it better) and we even talked them down some more. The duvet cover in this picture isn't fully put together and is just laying there on top. I haven't taken any pics yet but I have now finished it and we have added taupe accents in the form of a flat sheet folding over the duvet and some pillows.

I really can't wait until this room is done. It is being put together piece by piece but I think it's making me appreciate it more. The dresser is done too I just need to put the knobs back on (semi important) and fill it with clothing that has been put in make shift baskets in our closet for 4 months! Detecting any bitterness toward things that are anything but user friendly? Yup!

This was the project that Kevin was working on before I begged him to stop and make moi some tables. He has really been a good sport with his talent of craftiness. I see something I love, ask if he can make it, he sighs, smiles and says,"Sure sweetie." This is usually the time where I cuddle up to him and beg him to tell me the story (I've heard it over 1,000 times) about a conversation he had with a buddy before we got married.

Buddy: "So you like her that much huh?"
Kevin: (thinks, puts his head down, smiles flashing those dArLiNg dimples I love and says)"Man, I'd do anything to make her smile."

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I die EvErY time I hear it and it still makes me smile (go figure) and bury my head in his chest. With those words, sure sweetie, we both think about that story since ever since we've been married he's done his best to do just that...make me smile =).

These are the second set of shelving he's made for the garage and the totes fit ever so nicely on them!

Here is Kevin's first attempt at making tables. I think we've both done a good job. I designed them, he's making them. For the legs I found that buying the spindle thingies (I'm technical) that are in between a staircase are SO much cheaper and dainty than big, fat, unfinished table legs. Then he bought wood to frame them, the wood to go on top and to match the bedroom furniture I found some rod iron on sale to put in the middle as a decorative piece. More pics to come on that =).

These will go under the two mirrors I spray painted and the large flower arrangements will go on top of them reflected in the mirrors =). SO excited!!!

YAY Five K!!!

2011-04-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Steph and I have been training for our half marathon. Scary? YES!!! Especially for me since I haven't run since '98 and I don't exactly love it. I just want to be thin, plain and simple and I thought runners are skinny...I'll have that! So we signed up for the "Pink" Series where the proceeds go to breast cancer research and my inner thigh goes to who knows where. Our first race was the 5k and we were wanting to pace ourselves and get it done in 30 min. We were SO happy when we came in under!!! Steph at 25 and me at 26! I was very proud of myself seeing as how we have been running so late at night that we run in our club house and it was a VERY rude awakening to be running outside!!!!! WORLDS different and I didn't even think about it...dummy. But we DID it, we MADE it and we are still alive. The 10K will be in August and the half in October up in Park City. Pretty place but high elevation so my J-Lo is shaking in her.....pants? LOL you get the idea. Anyone want to come and run it with us???

Branson had flowers for me at the end =). Kayson stayed with my sister-in-law the night before so she could take him to his soccer game. It was a bummer that it started at the same time but his team WON and she took lots of video =). Thanks Becky!

Branson just loves his Stephanie. He loves to give her hugs and cuddle.

We DID it!!!

Look at that ham. No idea where he gets it!

I loved having my picture taking/flower buying/cheerleader/hottie of a man there to support me.

The end.

Free 99

2011-04-13T16:34:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law is redoing her whole house and that includes the kitchen. She had cabinetry up for grabs and BOY did I grab!!! We decided that it would all look just great out in the garage. I'm sure Kevin was OH so thrilled at the prospect of another project...especially since we haven't finished most of the other ones =). We are having the whole neighborhood over on Saturday for a garage sale so we have deadlines for all projects in the garage. We have the top

Shelving is going up tonight for all totes and bins, the dresser just needs one more coat of paint

T'was the Night Before the Tooth Fairy

2011-04-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

Kayson finally joined the ranks of kids at school that had wiggly teeth. He was really excited but a bit curious as to how the whole "process" worked. He had already spoken to a few of his friends at school who told him how lucky he was and that he would get $5 a pop from the tooth fairy. I quickly assured him that we had a very different tooth fairy but that she was still into compensating with coins. He asked why she didn't give bills and I answered that we signed up for a tooth fairy plan that broke things down for tithing purposes. I was SO proud of him at that point because he got more excited to hand that envelope in to the bishop more than being able to buy something! C'mon PeOpLe, he is 5, so that lasted a whole 5 minutes then he was off talking about what he would purchase when the tooth finally came out. I was just happy that he was including what he would buy for Branson as well =).

Well, come out it did while he was in school and he came home to me a toothless wonder =). We read the Night Before the Toothfairy that night, made a sign and slipped the tooth under his pillow and nestled into our bedtime routine.

Branson said he would stay awake until she came in and took the tooth. Planning an ambush maybe? Who KNOWS what goes on in that boy's head! Whatever the case...he didn't last long.

I {Heart} Spraypaint in a MAJOR Way!!!

2011-04-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

These vases were on sale at Hobby Lobby for only $7 each!!! Amazing considering I saw them a few months later, same store same vase in black for $34.99 each!

These are the flower arrangements I got with my birthday card to Hobby Lobby...plus they were 50% off!!!

After a coat of glossy black spray paint I think they look pretty great. There were some issues with over spray (who me?) but if lightly sanded then coated again it comes out perfectly =)

Remember these mirrors?

Love me some spraypaint!!!

I think they are going to look GREAT on either side of the window. If you look closely you'll see some spindles that normally go in between the railing on a staircase. We got unfinished ones from Home Depot, will paint them and use them as table legs to support the two vases. I also snagged some iron decor to go on the front of the tables too. One project atta time though right? The room is really coming along! Can't wait to share more pictures =).

Top Of the Mornin

2011-03-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

So I was excited to do our annual Leprechaun hunt this year. I had gotten some ideas from friends and what they do and I was stoked to try them out. First and foremost I think it's hiLARIOUS that people have the leprechaun "use the restroom". The boys woke up and, of course, went straight to do their business and screamed!!! It was so funny to pretend to see it for the first time and say,"Oh my word! The Leprechaun was HERE!!!" They then ran back to their rooms to find their first clue to his pot of gold.

It sent them to the tub then the mailbox (below).

I made sure to write them so Kayson could read everyone and he really felt important =). Then they went to the pantry where Branson found the next clue stuck to the magnet board.

I asked B to give me a leprechaun face.

Then they realized the pot of gold was out in the back by their basketball hoop.

Kev really outdid himself with the gold candy. HUGE bags of Rollos, Nuggets and Peanut Butter Cups. I think he was excited for the leftover spoils =).

Had to make due with their Easter basket since I wasn't feeling great. Nothing a little FOOD DYE can't cure!!! LOL

Green milk anyone?

Now onto making our very own shamrock. Elmer's glue and food dye = stiiiiickyyyy...

I cut out the cardboard shamrocks from the plethora of moving boxes we have acquired through the years and they spread the gue all over.

Then we broke spaghetti noodles and placed them on the gelatinous muck and let it dry a bit. Then we painted (with the same stuff) the shamrock green, let it dry then glued magnets to the back to put them on the fridge. Fun and easy...my favorite!

Then to top it all off it was crazy hair day at school and Kayson went all out =)...but came home with a wee bit of a headache =(.

SCORE!!!

2011-03-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I am trying to get my room to come together like a MAD woman??? Well I have this vision to have two buffet tables on either side of our window, vases with huge white flower arrangements on that and then two large mirrors behind. I went to one of my new favorite stores and each mirror (the size I wanted) were $90-$100!!!!! NO WAY I was going to go for that! Well Kev and I had decided to make the tables ourselves and I was at Home Depot pricing out the legs (which are SO much cheaper if you buy the spindles that go in between the railing for your stairs as opposed to unfinished table legs). While walking down to where the PVC piping was (we are going to make thick curtain rods out of those and spray them) I saw a whole box full of these mirrors for $29!!!!! I even got ten percent off one of them for a tiny scratch. I was BeYoNd excited and now all I have to do is spray them with some shiny black and they will be PERFECT!!!!! Go to your Home Depot and see if they have the same!

Almost Done!!!

2011-03-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

I have had such great helpers on this project. The hubs was kind enough to measure out everything and mark where the pin tucks would go.

Then my sister-in-law who refused to have her picture taken without the mask helped start me off in the right direction.

Then it was up to me to make each little mark become a beautiful texture of loveliness. Each sheet took about two hours and now the two sheets just need to be sewn together, and buttons with their holes to be placed at the top. What do you think? I think it wasn't too bad for $30!!!

It really wasn't hard at all, just time consuming.

Bedding Search

2011-03-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

So I have had thoughts on our bedding and I think now I have finally come to the drastic decision to have all white bedding. That's right, I will join the ranks of,"What? I can just bleach it." crowd. I had a fabulous cashier also tell me that King White is a GrEaT product for making all things white...whiter. As far as the kind of bedding, I really wanted something with a romantic type texture with only one accent color, taupe. So here are some inspiration pictures and pictures of what I have been eyeballing.

I love the old world feel of this one and LOVE the mirror frames and lamps!

This was the first picture I found of white bedding that I liked. This is also where I fell in love with the accent color we will be using. It makes me think of Saturday mornings in bed with a good book. Saturday NiGhTs with a good book even.

Then I saw this blog where someone used the rosette bedding form Anthropology. LOVED the "drapey" feel. It for SuRe made me think of the aristocratic era as far as their dresses and style. The price tag however was NOT a welcomed sight! It wasn't even a duvet cover (which I am wanting) but one lonely comforter. Not even a set! For close to $300 that thing should come with shams AND make me breakfast in BED!!! Then I found a site (below) where she made her Anthro bedding herself for a little over $30!!!!!This is where Kev started t question all the "balls" that may be uncomfortable on your back if you just want to lay on a made bed.

MORE searching ensued. Someone suggested a cheaper alternative for the rosette bedding without making it yourself at West Elm. It's a pin tucked duvet cover and Kev and I fell in LoVe with it! The price tag (for me) was still spendy for essentially just a blanket though it was breathtaking. Making it was my only option. This coming from a girls that can't sew to save her life!

I the searched like a MAD woman to find a tutorial on how to make the pin tucked duvet and after THREE NIGHTS I finally found one!!! Here is the site and here is a girl that made it using her technique. I followed the second blog and am on my way. I just grabbed two king sized flat sheets and had Kev mark where all of the "work" would be done. Then I realized I hadn't washed them! They are now swishing away and will be done soon. I m SO excited to get started. That is, after my sister-in-law comes buy to teach this dork how to thread her own machine...yeesh!

So Many Projects...

2011-03-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

SO little time!!! This is Chester and he is the newest addition to the Springer household. We got him for WAY below what he cost on the oh so fabulous KSL and are looking forward to refinishing him. Yes, we love him just the way he is but won't he look SO much better black and distressed??? I have a vision for our bedroom and unforch, it's the first time I'll go about my business without copying a picture. This is unfortunate because without my copying skills I am NoThInG!!!!! I have been loving it here (I know, shocker) but I have met so many DIY girls and their blogs are out of this WoRlD and I feel like I could do anything!!! We love us some thick curtain rods but they are spendy....so we will be using PVC pipe and just spraying it down and buying knobs for the ends!!! How ingenious is THAT? I also have washer and dryer risers, DIY long candle stick holders, DIY picture frames with cheap prints from Hobby Lobby and this dresser just waiting in the wings...or in my garage =). Can't wait to show you progress, but for now, lament with me on the sad state of my bedroom...

Crafty Lady

2011-03-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

So I have been bitten by the "crafting bug". I have been seeing so many of these DIY blogs and I feel like I have really been missing out! These people are AMAZING!!!! I really fell in love with a few projects and then came up with some of my own. First, I am not a fan of the colors of spring. None of them really go with my home but I don't like NOT being able to decorate for a holiday. No CLUE why I didn't think of changing the hues of some of these bright holiday colors. For instance...instead of bright reds for Valentine's Day I used creams and deep maroons. I did, however, fill my apothecary jars with bright pink sour ball candies in one, conversation hearts in another and for the longer jar I had red vines. That's as far as I went with the bright. Then came March. I started looking online for more of the deep greens and found some good inspirations.

LOVE that wreath so I picked me up some green burlap at Hobby Lobby, a styrofoam wreath template and LOTS of pins. Here it is so far I still need to paint the wooden shamrock and horseshoe and then attach the decals to them. I also thought that if I don't permanently attach the decals then I can use this for Harvest time and Christmas with different accessories.

I am obsessed with apothecary jars and so when I saw this for March Decor I had to attempt. I wish mine were as pretty but I am very pleased when I look over on the counter tops =). Lentils are so cheap and so great to throw in a bag for next year! The limes came from the dollar store and the petals from the wedding section of Walmart.

Just add a sticker and voila...festive =).

This is a project of mine that I am excited about. These were on the tables for our Spain inspired wedding and I can't believe I've kept them for so long. I was walking the aisles of Hobby Lobby wanting something for the corner ledge of our tub and thought about these in a box back home. I have maybe 13 of them so onto dismantling, cutting and spraying. Can't wait to show you more!

Another eyesore is the laundry room but again, inspired by a blog we are creating magic! Kev was out in the garage working with wood most of the day and hopefully everything will fit! Can't wait!!! The wood, coincidentally, was FREE and will make the boys' beds, some of our bed, stuff for the laundry room AND shelving in the garage. Talk about a lucky break!

All Of It...Gone!!!

2011-02-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

So maybe it didn't crash. Maybe my husband was being super nice and was going to update my phone. Well, you know how you back everything up so you don't lose your contacts, pictures, notes, reminders, your appointments...oh the list could go on and on. Well something happened and EvErYtHiNg was erased. I even had sweet baby pictures on there of Branson and funny things they were doing at different holidays, sigh, I have to stop. He brought it into me on Saturday night and I literally cried myself to sleep. I can't do ANYTHING about pictures and notes but I can ask all of you that were lovingly placed under my contacts to send me an email or text me with your numbers. Be sure to tell me who you are! Sad day, but you can make it better with one text! Thanks guys, love ya!

Vinyl Giveaways!!!

2011-02-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

So you MUST check out these sites! Not only are they dArLiNg but they are also giving away a vinyl machine with some extra goodies!!! I am SO hoping to win one as I have a million and a half ideas for what I would do (all of which I will post). They can even cut material! Here are the links and good LUCK! =)

Creating Really Awesome Free Things

You Know You're in Utah When...

2011-02-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

I thought this was so funny =). I am still getting used to there being more members around than usual. I feel like I haven't really socialized that much as we are constantly working on the house. If I had forgotten where we now live, this brought me back =). It was just chilling at an intersection and I made Kev get out and take a picture LOL. Loved it and I am surprised (happily) that I am doing okay here and actually feel great about it. Here's to many more years of being in ONE place =D!!!

Snegging

2011-01-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

Today we woke up to a tiny blizzard outside our window. It made us want to crawl deeper into bed, under the covers and cuddle as a family. Alas, Daddy had to go to work, kids had to eat and Mommy had to unpack more boxes. I don't even know how it's still possible that there are sTiLl boxes left! Soon it came time to walk with Kayson the 30 ft to the bus stop. As we sat there waiting for the bus I asked Kayson:

M: Do you want to know how to say snow in Russian K-Diddy?
K: Sure, okay.
(He says this squinting up at me while the flakes blur his vision.)
M: Sneg
K: Sneg, he repeats.
(long pause)
K: Mom, it sure is snegging out here.

Some Pics Of How It's Coming In the House

2011-01-21T21:24:00.000-08:00

I am in LOVE with this tub...minus how long it takes to fill up =)

Kev's sink and a peak at the closet.

The boys' bathroom so far...can you tell I am totally putting it last? =)

Laundry room

Nice deep shelves in the linen closet

Living room so far...haven't seen all my couches in one room since '07.

The kitchen...an ongoing project but I am loving the granite counter tops and a huge pantry!

Dining room and door to the backyard. Too cold out right now but I know the boys will LOVE playing out there!

So Happy

2011-01-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

I remember it well, it was 2007 and it was to only be for a summer. All of my beautiful things lovingly packed up in boxes and put into one large storage unit. I said goodbye to my couches (newly purchased) my clothes (except the ones needed for 6 months and which I have been "recycling" since then) home decor, dishes, our bed...eVeRyThInG!!! I have not seen most of it since. Until now!!! We just made the big move to Utah and as soon as our place is finished (this Saturday) all of it will be brought in. The couches set up, the mirrors, sconces and decor put up, beds assembled, dishes put away, food stocked in the pantry... I. CAN'T. WAIT!!!!!!!!! After thinking about responsible, sensible and practical things I am SO giddy about me unpacking all of the things that I love and that make up our home. Aaaaaaaaand, yes I know that your family, the gospel and love make up a "home" but this is the shallow post about my worldly things and I am just trying to lead a balanced life =). Nervous about living in Utah but happy that Kevin has a job that he LOVES, is five minutes from it and is so happy. My boys will go to the same school as their cousins (something I enjoyed growing up) and we will be so close to a lot of friends I haven't seen in so long!!! We feel very blessed and are looking forward to our new adventures in Utah, and unpacking...and Utah....and unpacking =). Are you in Utah? Leave us a comment with your email address and our families can play =).

This is the inspiration for the living room. What do you think? The couches will be different but I am wanting this overall old world appeal.

Ruby Red Lips

2010-12-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

Go to my Classy Blog to get some Ruby Red Lips inspired by Dorothy's slippers. It comes just in time for Holiday Parties =).

Farmer's Market

2010-12-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

More catch up time. We decided to go to the Farmer's Market one Saturday after Kevin RaVeD about their fried asparagus...he knows I'm a sucker =). We had a scrumptious breakfast and then headed out. We got RoCk StAr parking (unheard of) and took it as a sign that today would be even better than we thought! We walked around, sampled scrumptious bread, cheese, chocolate and other delights. We bought the boys their treasured bagels from a local vendor and I got me some CHEESE cake =). Then as we headed toward more of the produce and asparagus we stopped in our tracks as we saw yummy apples. One in particular called the Hidden Rose was especially eye catching. It's hot PINK inside! Kev took a bite first and told me I HAD to try it. Sure enough it was exACTLY the kind of flavor I love! It was crisp, juicy and TART dare I say SOUR!!! I fell in love right then and there, I had to have them. We them tried the asparagus and I was sooooo not disappointed =). After getting home Kev made the boys a cute "little" lunch (overachiever) and then we busted out the apples for dessert. We dipped them in caramel and then in chopped salted peanuts...enough said! Thanks for a special Saturday cute family!!!

C'mon Jen

2010-12-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

So, I decided to get a multi-vitamin to help with my intake of......vitamins? I grabbed this one at Costco and spent about 10 minutes looking for how many I was supposed to take.

Life With Branson

2010-12-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

I just thought this was so funny. I asked him to go and take off his pjs to get ready for the day and this is how he came back. Love the rain boots, and the socks, oh and the tie...oh heavens I love it ALL!!!

I Am SO Behind!!!

2010-11-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

And no, I am not referring to the body part I hate the most. I just need to catch up on this whole blogging thing. So here we go. I am going to play the flashback game for a few posts, hope you don't mind cuz I think some really great things happened, I took pictures....and that's where it ended =). First up, Kev's birfyday.

He woke to a yummy breakfast made by his cute smooshy boys and cards of Birthday =).
Then Kayson handed him his blindfold and said,"Dad, you are officially kidnapped!" He was then led to the car by a very excited Kayson and a totally confused Branson (he can't keep a secret to save his LiFe so he wasn't "in" on where we were going).

See Branson as he snubs me with his McDonalds toy for us not telling him where we are going.


We took him out shopping for some hot boy clothes...I may have gotten some jeans along the way, I'm just saying it could have happened...

Then Kev got a HUGE surprise. One of his fav mission companions called all the way from Ukrain to wish him a Happy Birthday!

Then off to Applebees that night for some yummy treats. I am trying to be good so I chose from the "fat girl don't wanna be fat no moe" menu and Kevin taunted me with this delicious number. I think one bite would have been more calories than my whole meal!.......I might get it next time.......I was very proud of myself though =).

I love you Kevy Doo and I am so glad that we get to be a team for the rest of our lives. I have loved our good times but I've also cherished our tough times because you are there with me, fighting and slaying dragons for our family. Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Leftover Turkey??? Let Them Eat Borsh!!!!!

2010-11-30T16:42:00.000-08:00

I picture what most people's faces look like when someone says,"Want some Borsh?" (I hate it when people put a T on the end...grrrrr just cuz it's a harsh SH sound, doesn't mean there's a T) I suspect most everyone would twist up their noses further than even they thought possible and make some awful gurgling noise as if they may drop dead right there on the spot. Ever since coming home from mother Russia, I have made it my mission to change this reaction. When I picture my quest, for some reason, I think of Wee Willie Winky running through the town in his nightgown. Instead of a candlestick, he has a spoon. A spoon of yummy goodness that warms your tummy inside and out on a cold day. So maybe I don't run around in a tasteless white monstrosity of a garment but I AM cooking it for as many who will try it. I have had ONE person in who KNOWS how many (it has been 7 years that I have been cooking it) that wasn't totally over the moon about it. I usually cook it with chicken but since we have so much turkey, I figured, what the heck AND I'll share it with all of you daring souls =). If you want to know how flavorful it is I describe it like this. You know when you get a generic chicken noodle soup and it is so bland you feel like its water with spongy noodles? Now imaging the most flavorful tomato soup....yeah???? No, it doesn't taste like tomato soup, but it gives you that zing on the back of your tongue. You know the one you get on either side when pure flavor has arrived??? Oh you just get ready for yumminess. This recipe comes from a cute little Russian name Olga Fomyenko whom I love and miss dearly. They don't really use measurements so I'll try my hardest =).

You'll need:
Large stock pot (let's pretend, for ease, that we are all using an 8 quart pot)
Large frying pan
1 medium sized onion chopped (I use yellow)
Water 2 1/2 quarts
9 chicken bouillon cubes or however much powder that would be
4-5 uncooked chicken breasts chopped (but use the turkey from Thanksgiving!!!)
4 large beets peeled and shredded* (never use canned beets...trust me, it was a dark day)
4 medium sized carrots peeled and shredded
4-5 medium sized potatoes peeled and cubed (use any kind you want)
1 medium sized head of green cabbage chopped
Veg oil (enough to completely fill bottom of frying pan)
Ketchup (giggle, it's so good!!!!!!)
* I am not a huge fan of beets and that's why I shred them. Some people cube them, so to each his own.

Here We Goooooo:
Fill stock pot with water and place on medium heat. Add the chicken bouillon till you make a really strong broth. If you think it's needs more, go for it =). At this point you would add your uncooked chicken so that it can start to cook, if using cooked turkey hold off until later. Add potatoes and cabbage to mixture. In large frying pan coat with oil and cook on medium heat. Add onions, carrots and beets and cook until soft. Add ketchup to frying pan until all veggies are saturated in it...the more the better in my opinion =). Once chicken is cooked and veggies are ready, add veggies to stock pot (now would be a good time to add the turkey too). Stir and bring to a soft boil.

NOW comes the fun part!!!!! Have sour cream and mayo ready. I set out 4 tester bowls and pour borsh in each of them. The first bowl has just borsh, the second has a bit of mayo, the third a bit of sour cream, and in the last I put "Jenni" mayo. It is no surprise, to people that know me, that Jenni likey her mayo so of course in a normal sized bowl I would put quite the dollop =). Figure what your guests/family want and fix them accordingly. Serve with french bread....maybe even garlic french bread and enjoy!!! Kevin wants me to add that he dips his bread and eats it...thank hunny =D. Tell me if you make it and if you love it!!!!!

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

2010-11-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

Are you DyInG yet???? For those of you that like pumpkin....anything, this is the soup for you. It is the YuMmIeSt dish and BEST when served with dinner rolls that you can dip! A for sure must have for this Thanksgiving! Here is the scoop. I've never even attempted to do the croutons and still love it so don't feel you have to do that step even though it seems fairly easy. Enjoy!!!

Ingredients

3 tablespoons margarine, softened
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 slices whole wheat bread
1 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F(200 degrees C). Combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Place bread, buttered side up, on a baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until bread is crisp and topping is bubbly. Cut each slice of bread into 8 small triangles or squares.
Saute onion in butter in a medium saucepan until tender. Add 1 can chicken broth; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
Transfer broth mixture into the container of a blender or processor. Process until smooth.
Return mixture to saucepan. Add remaining can of broth, pumpkin, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground pepper; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally..
Stir in whipping cream and heat through. Do not boil. Ladle into individual soup bowls. Top each serving with Cinnamon Croutons.

The Coast

2010-10-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

We took the boys to coast for a few days since Kayson had time off of school and had SO much fun. No, it wasn't the typical time to go but, hi, it's Oregon, there aren't too many great times PERIOD to go to the coast =). We watched the waves crash to the shore from our hotel room, went to the outlets, salt water taffy shops, toured the Tillamook Cheese factory the went to the air museum. The boys LoVeD the museum and were thrilled that they could climb aboard some of the jets and helicopters. It wasn't so easy to get them outta there =). Here is a slide show from the museum and a few shots of the boys on the boardwalk outside the hotel. Didn't want to get the camera wet...hence no pictures outside =).

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some great shots that Kev took while we went to our fav pumpkin patch. The boys loved the train ride (Branson couldn't stop choo chooing the rest of the day), the boat ride that took us into shark and sea monster infested waters. Mostly, they just loved being together and seeing who could jump higher over the pumpkins =).

Contest Time

2010-10-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Go to the Classy site if you want to enter a fun Halloween look and win a prize! =)

the Dragon Dash

2010-09-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

So Kayson goes to a school where the dragon is their mascot (he LoVeS this p.s.). So it's only right that where you and I may have had jog-o-thons, Kayson had the Dragon Dash!!! And dash he did =). Branson and I took a "field trip" together to go and see brother in action as he ran around the track they have there. He did a total of 7 laps and got a popsicle stick for every time he went around. It was cute because the kindergartners ran on the 29th and the rest of the school ran the next day so there were a lot of upper class kids out there to cheer them on. It was so sweet =). Here are some shots of he and his classmates earning money for their school. (Kayson was ReAlLy proud of that too...he said,"Mom, I help build churches with my tithing and I can get more balls for my school with my "run money"). I LOVE HIM!!!!!

Getting ready...

B giving the dragon 5

One lap down...ATTA BOY K-DIDDY!!!

Older kids cheering them on!

B loving on the dragon...again =).

B went through many moods while we were there...confused being one of them =)

Then a dance party ensued as they played all the Disney pop stars...and my boys know them well!!! =)

Rock out Mr. B

Busting out the robot!!!

5 laps down and still smiling!!!

Yet another mood...curiousness. I think the ball hit him in the head every time it went around.

I'd like to think this is indicative of Kayson's everyday life at recess, getting chased by girls. The one in blue likes to walk with Kayson into class, wait for him after class and say hi with a cute smile every time she sees him =).

That's my BOY!!! Good job sweetheart, we are all really proud of you!!!

How Quickly Time Flies

2010-09-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

So, most mom's know the feeling when they send their first off to school and the way I felt was no different. Kayson was the reason I stopped working and stayed home all day. We learned how to do that together. We learned to be a team and work together. He was my playmate when Daddy was at work and he was always great company when he wasn't taking a nap. He grew and he grew and was (and still is) a superb big brother. We learned together how to get along with someone else in our family. Kayson and I have been through a lot of adventures just the two of us, so it was odd to take him to all day kindergarten. Just knowing that he is starting his adventures in school and won't EVER be home all day everyday with me was bitter sweet. Bitter for obvious reasons but sweet because he is ready. He's ready to learn and grow in an environment that I cannot provide for him. Ready to practice his skills in reading and writing. Ready to have a social experience with all of these new friends, ready to leave his momma....I'm just not sure I was as ready = (.

I'm Pretty Stoked

2010-09-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

So a shoot that I worked on was published!!!! Suuuure I worked on the rest of the family and only the baby was out on the cover but STILL. I was pretty stoked =).

Mr. B

2010-09-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

Here is our lovable B. He has for sure been a blessing and a bit of a stinker =). But with all the ups and downs, we love him so much. Here are some recent adventures of his.

JCrew Tissue Tees, Make 'Em Yourself!!!

2010-08-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

So I found a video on YouTube that made me think of these tees that I have been drooling over at JCrew. The video talked about making something yourself. The tees I love are $58.....yeaaaaah, not going to happen. So I found the next best thing. There are these really thin bouncy shirts that are 100% rayon made by Tresics which can be found at TJMaxx. They are only $6.99 and come in great colors!!! The above pictured grey, a lighter grey, cream, white and black. Pretty much the basics =).

I went to Walmart and bought some fabric that added up to about $1.25. If I got blue, then I wanted to get a sheer fabric as well as jersey cotton.

Then I cut out the shapes that would be my guides when cutting the fabric.

I bunched some rosettes together, sewed the back of them to keep their shape and then sewed them onto the shirt. I think next time...since I am not the seamstress in any way shape or form...I am going to try and figure out what to sew them to and then attach them. That way I can take off the pretties before I wash the shirt. Any ideas? I've though about felt...just not sure. If you want, I can do a video on this so you can watch and come up with a better way of doing it after seeing my idiocy ; ). Total per shirt= about $7.25!!!! Go and getcha sum =).

Kayson's Birthday

2010-08-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, SO not acceptable but I can't believe that I haven't posted Kayson's birthday yet!!! Here he is in all of his glory at his Iron Man party. It was great to have all of his friends over to our fav pizza joint in Idaho. All the kids tore off to play and all us adults could catch up knowing our kiddies were getting nice and tired. I love putting the kids to bed knowing they've had a long, great day of playing. They just crash and dream about all their favorite parts of the day =). I love you Kayson and am SO glad that you came to our family. You amaze me everyday with your thirst for knowledge, your sweet heart and your dramatic nature...no idea where you get that from ;). You will always be my baby boy, my first, my bud and I am so blessed to know you.

Gag Reel

2010-08-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

Thought this would be fun to share. I am such a klutz and a goof that I had to share some clips from my makeup blog with you =).

Congrats Kev!!!!!

2010-07-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of our dad!!!!! For those of you that don't know Kev's "story" here goes a short version =). Kevin and I met on our missions and when we got back he said that if we wanted to date it had better be in Rexburg since that's where he was attending school. How thrilling!!!! I had never been to China before!!!!! That's where Rexburg is right? After taking a geography class I packed up and moved to Rexburg =) so that he could finish school. During a period of one year, my "darling" husband tried out graphic design, dentistry, construction management, and then business. After getting a promotion at work that wouldn't fit schooling in his schedule, we decided to put education on the back burner. The more he was away, the more he thought maybe he really didn't need to go back and it was all about experience. My heart ached (not to mention his parents') for him to go back. Finally this past year he decided to go back and finish the 6 months it would take for his BA in Arts. Yes folks, it was back to graphic design. We moved from beloved Oregon back to Idaho for the 6 months of schooling. Boy if I didn't already feel like a single parent, now it was solidified!!! Did I mention he's done? That he graduated on SATURDAY??? That he got his diploma? Wore the cap and gown? HE'S DONE!!!!!!!!! We are so proud of you Kevin for all that you have done and continue to do for our family. We love you so much and are excited for our future as a cute graduated family =). Anyone need a graphic designer?????

Branson's Birthday!!!

2010-07-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

Branson is such a sweet little spirit. We are not sure yet what planet he has come from, but we are sure glad he is here to keep us on our toes =). He watched with wonder as Kayson had a really fun birthday this year and was even more delighted to hear that he was entitled to his own. Since we are pretty much living out of boxes, I tried to think about what theme I could make B's party out of the Iron Man colors we used for Kayson's. B was ThRiLlEd to hear that he would get a real Mickey Mouse party!!! Kev told me to keep it on a budget and I was SO proud of myself for staying under $30 BUCKS!!!!!! I hand made a mickey Mouse tie wreath, made Mickey head Marshmellow treats and cookie pops, made each child a goodie bag with a Disney music CD, frisbees, balls, Goofey's Goldfish and Clarabelle's Candy =). I think they really had fun and Branson was SO cute opening up his gifts. The phrases of the night were," OH...MY...WORD!!!" "Oh, I just LOVE chocolate, thaaaaaank yooooouuuuu!" and "I just don't believe it Mama". It really was so sweet to celebrate our little B Bug turning three...Muuuuuuuaaaaaaah Munchkin!!!!

Yay Makeup!!!

2010-07-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

So I have hit 200 followers at my classy blog and I can't tell you how that makes me feel. I really have found something that I can do!!!! Something that I have a passion for. Something that brings SO much happiness to me I can't even tell you. There will be a giveaway if any of you are interested...Justin, I know you are DyInG for some new makeup right ; )? If you would like to enter just click HERE and you can be in the running for some really useful and cool prizes =). Thank you to all of you that have supported me and been my cheerleaders through this process of starting my own business as a freelance makeup artist. I have enjoyed working in studio and on shoots so much and I know that without your love and encouragement, I probably would not have even been brave enough to try. Love you guys!!!!

Fun In the Sun

2010-07-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

There is a fun water park in Rexburg that we went to a few weeks ago. Our cousin Morgan was in town with us so we wanted to show her all of the fun things there were to do here. We also took the boys favorite sitter Rachel. We had a blast playing in the water, laying out (that was mostly me) and riding on the carousel they have there. I love having such an eventful day because it makes me feel like a good mom and they go to sleep SO well that night =)!!!

Utah Art Festival

2010-07-09T08:07:00.001-07:00

Kev is nearing the end of school and has been interviewing quite a bit in Utah. We came with him one weekend and met up with all of our cousins and a few friends to go to the Utah Art Festival. The kids LOVED it!!!!! They painted, played instruments, made crafts and got their faces painted. We for SURE want to hit this again next year if we end up moving here =).

That Our Flag Was Still There...

2010-07-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

I love the fourth of July. I love the BBQs, the food at the BBQs, the fireworks and the magic of our country. I am so grateful for our nation, our ups and our downs. Through the downs we pull together and, I feel, turn more toward the Heavens. I am grateful for the courage of soldiers, the conviction of our founding fathers and the goodness of our Heavenly Father. What a choice land!!! Happy Fourth everyone =).

Twilight

2010-07-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

So were you able to see the movie...for those of you that like Twilight? I thought that after seeing it on the first night for the last two movies I was truly going to break "the streak". That's right, I didn't have a ticket...day of...and I was so sad that I had forgotten all about it!!! With lip in place (fully puckered) I texted my friends to see if they were already in line. I don't know, maybe I was feeling a bit masochistic but I just had to know who was going. One of my friends texted back to let me know they had seen this girl trying to sell her ticket...WHAT?!?!? Get ON that sister!!!!! She found her, I was SO happy and I was in line with them in no time. Once we were finally allowed in we found the BEST seats and settled down with drinks and a LaRgE bowl of popcorn....aaaahhhh heaven. Now I enjoy the Twilight series. I thought the books were fun and engaging. The last few movies were fun but they for SURE had cheesy parts and some even cheesier lines here and there. Who can forget when Edward is telling Bella that he's leaving and she begins what is now known as "Morse Code acting". I thought the stuttering would never end! Even with all of that though I love the movies. I was expecting this last movie to be of the same caliber; good with a few parts wreaking of cheese. I must say, I was VeRy surprised and impressed with Eclipse! I LOVED it! The direction was great, the acting even better, the scenes were well done...all in all I think they done did good with my fav book of the series =). I just finished a Jane tutorial on my makeup blog...hence the picture up top =). Now, what were you're thoughts on the movie?

AM 590

2010-06-18T09:16:00.001-07:00

Thanks to those that caught the show yesterday. It was a bit scary and I was for SURE shakin in my boots but Tami and Aaron really made me feel at ease and even asked me to come back and share more makeup tips!!!

Mama Mia!!!!!

2010-06-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

Branson has been pretty sick the last few days so Kayson has been spending time with the neighbors. As B and I were getting some much needed rest I heard a faint knock from upstairs. I go up and open the front door to see this =). It made my day and made me laugh out loud!!!! Our neighbor had been saving it for her smoosh when he got older but couldn't help giving it to Kayson when she saw how much he loved it. Now I just need to get Luigi for Branson and they are set for Halloween this year!!! Do you think I could convince Kev to be Toad? =)

Girl's Night Out

2010-05-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

This was our second Sacramento Girls Night Out at Chili's in Utah. It is always SO good to catch up with everyone and see how they are doing and what they are up to. We missed Chels and Lindz this time..hope we see ya next time!!! I remember the first time we all got together at this same restaurant and our poor server had to come back like ten times before we could all stop chatting to look at our menus =). I don't think any of us drew breath once! I miss you girls already and if YOU are in Utah and haven't joined us, leave me your email and we'll tell you the next time we all get together!

Swagger Wagon =)

2010-05-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

I love this ad...maybe it's cuz I sport a Sienna as well =). You know how I roll!!!

Jackson Trip

2010-05-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Took a trip to Jackson 2 weeks ago with our friends Megan and Neekis and JUST got done with the pictures. Kev's sister was nice enough to let us stay in their vaca home there..Thanks Becky!!! I couldn't stop taking pictures of the house, it was so beautiful!!! Here are some pics =).

Easter Fun At Uncle Shaun's

2010-04-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION!!!!

2010-04-22T15:35:00.001-07:00

HUGE giveaway at Classy Cosmetics to celebrate reaching 100 followers. Go check it out!!!!!

The Fun Has Begun...

2010-04-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Contestant:

The Challenge:

Let the Games Begin!!!!!

Any Suggestions???

Are You A Red Or A Black?

2010-03-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have NEVER liked black vines and just assumed the rest of the world was the same minus my Grandpa Nartker but low and behold. Branson and Kayson (my picky eater) both LOVE black vines!!!! Which do you prefer?

I Heart Kayson

2010-03-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

I love my little Kayson-Kun. End of story, that's it, that's all she wrote, period =).

Sometimes It's Okay To Follow.....Really!!!

2010-03-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

As most of you know I have a cosmetics blog. I am really having fun with it and even entering a new stage of it where people are calling and wanting to fund my contests and give me free things to review and give away to my readers. It was brought to my attention that the more followers I have, the more I can receive product and goodies to give away to people. If you know of anyone that would have fun with this blog or if you just want to help me out, click here and follow me =). Thanks everybody!!!

Kevin need's help again!

2010-03-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the winner for the photography blog name is YouSnap. Thanks for your votes. Last thing I need your help with is on a logo. Click on the image to make it bigger and let me know which logo concept you like best. To specify which one just say something like top left or bottom right. Once again, thanks for the help.

Kevin needs your VOTES!!!

2010-02-16T22:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is Kevin here. I have secretly hacked in to Jen's blog to solicit all y'all's help (can you tell we're back in Idaho?). I'm starting to enjoy photography quite a bit and am going to start a blog for all of "us amateurs." The blog will feature weekly challenges, cool links I find, and little tricks I learn. It's really for anyone wanting to find an excuse to play with there fun toy a.k.a. "their camera." The contest will fall under categories such as portraits, landscapes, close-ups, motion, depth of field, and so on. I'll have a specific email address for anyone who wants to participate to submit and I'll pick some of the favorites. YOUR PHOTO COULD GET ONLINE RECOGNITION!!! Sure it's from a weakling, but recognition none the less. But I need your help voting on the name for the blog. I have reserved all of the following names, if you would pick your two favorite in the comments. Thanks, and I'll let you know when the blog is up.

weshutter.blogspot.com

youdapro.blogspot.com
udapro.blogspot.com
youdaguru.blogspot.com
yousnap.blogspot.com
mesnap.blogspot.com
yourfo.blogspot.com
yourpho.blogspot.com

Cuz Makin Beds Is Hard To Doooooo...

2010-02-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

Kev was trying to be such a nice husband and make our bed on his day off. Kayson had different ideas however and it turned into quite the photo shoot.....much to Kevin's chagrin =). Look at my hottie husband; He's so cute when he's annoyed. I think it's so cute how kids find joy in the simplest of things. Kayson was NON-STOP laughing and I couldn't help but giggle myself. I still can't believe that Branson slept through the whole thing.

Popcorn.....KEVIN!!!!!

2010-02-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

It's Kevin's turn to shine. He has been taking a photography class and really loves it. Maybe he and I can be a duo for weddings and stuff eh? Right, focus on Kevin!!! I really love going around with him on his "hunts" for inspiration. He is loving all of the learning and growing he is experiencing during school with all of his classes and I am just so proud of him. He has only 5 more months until he graduates!!!! Can you believe it???? I can almost taste it and I am going to be one proud wifey come July. I love you sweetie. Keep up the good work!!! Comment if you like these, I'll make him read it =).

Kayson vs Darth

2010-01-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

He looks so little up there!!!! =) This was his best memory and the thing he will never forget from Disneyland!!!

I AM ANGRY!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, angry angry ANGRY!!!!!!! When my friend suggested this book to me she also told me to have a box of tissues ready. Now this was a friend that does NOT cry so at that point I was thoroughly intrigued. Well it was for sure a good read (alert: F-word occurs 5x...ew) but I never really had the urge to cry from it. I was reaching the end and still hadn't had any type of breakdown and was almost feeling jaded because of it. That is, my friends, until I got to the end. I was crying like a BABY, rolling on the floor with my long hair wiping away the tears of sorrow. Okay, that was a little Anne with an "e" but at least you have the visual. The ending was what made this book genius, cruelly ironic, a MUST read and what impacted me the most.

Most of you know I had "hesitations" (if not letter writing parties to the director and thoughts of picketing outside a certain actress' home) about Cameron Diaz playing the intelligent, relentless, strong, passionate, at times scary mother from the book. I have to say, she really wasn't that bad. Was there maybe someone else that could have done it better? Yes, I can think of at least five...BUT THAT IS NOT WHY I AM ANGRY!!!!!!!!! THEY CHANGED THE END OF THE BOOK COMPLETELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are we talking just a touch so that it could be more Hollywood? NOOOOOOO we are talking taking the most PERFECTLY sorrowful ending and putting their OWN sorrowful ending. I was dumbfounded, speechless, upset, unfulfilled and then the anger came. I may have even growled (yes growled) at my friend Nicole about it. Who was just calling to say hi....she got an earful.

You know how Disney has made such wonderful movies for us to see growing up? I, for one, look at how Disney made the movies as "the truth". If I were to read the books that they were based on I would almost think,"Wait, that's not how it goes." I am just sad that anyone that sees this movie will think that it's "truth" when in reality the BOOK is what really made this story amazing. Did that make sense? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Our "vacation"

2009-12-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

Late Wednesday night I was helping at church, setting up for a Christmas activity for the next evening. Kev came to get me with the boys and said we should get a bite on the way home. We got the boys some yummy fries (a VERY special treat) to share. To my surprise Kayson said that he didn't want any and that his tummy hurt. I thought maybe he was tired because this was NOT normal "Kayson behavior". We got home and put them to bed. An hour later Kevin rushed in telling me that Kayson was throwing up. I slept on the floor next to his bed that night and like clockwork every hour his little tummy would empty. The next day Branson was whisked away to Mimi and Granddad's and Kev went off to work. That whole day Kayson couldn't keep anything down not even liquids. Eventually he needed to go in to see the doctor who said he didn't sound very well. She said he would have to get an iv and stay for a few hours to make sure he was okay. Thus began Kayson and my "mini-vacation". It took three of us to hold him down =(. He was so scared and just looked at me, pleading. I felt AWFUL but as most stories go with Kayson, as he wiped the tears away, he looked up at me and said,"Oh Mom, that wasn't that bad." He became friends with the machine that was giving his body a drink as he held his Chloe Monster close by (his pups). Soon I couldn't stay awake anymore so I cuddled up beside him and fell asleep. The nurses were kind enough to turn out the lights and we took a nap that still wasn't nearly long enough. He has been on Zofran since then and is doing SO much better. He stayed home from church today but at least is eating solids =). Being a mom is tough, but at least now Branson and Kev have moved back in and we are a family once more...sigh.

Disneyland Memory and Day Three

2009-12-12T19:06:00.001-08:00

I was five. I still didn't quite understand where we were going but I could feel the excitement. In those days 5 kids could sit unfastened in the back of a very 80's station wagon shifting with every bump of the road. It took about an hour to get there but we didn't care. With our cousins and some sack lunches that smelled of peanut butter and jelly it felt like only five minutes. We parked, "In the Dumbo area" my mom called to my dad. It was quite a walk to the Disneyland Hotel (I had short pudgy 5 yr old legs, c'mon) where my parents said we would be taking something called a "moneyrail" (monorail). We waited and waited and when it came it was the most futuristic thing I had ever seen. We climbed aboard and set off at top speed (probably 15 MPH). I won't forget the sounds, the smells, the sights and the sense of wonder as I first saw the park. It was so full of color, familiar songs and magic. I would never be the same. Disneyland is my mecca, where I used to perform with my dance troop. Where I would go with my friends almost every week, my first date with Kev and it was where we went on our honeymoon. I may walk up to the entrance a 29 year old but when I pass through the gates I am back to being that pudgy 5 year old still enchanted by smells, sights and trying to go everywhere at once. Kev almost got me a stroller =). I love Disneyland and I am so excited that I was able to take my boys there. I look at them and hope they will have the same memories and experiences.Performing at the Cotillion Cafe right by the castle...my partner was sick...I felt like such a fool...

Our final day at Disneyland was relaxing fun. We jumped on rides we hadn't gotten to on the first day and then re-visiting our favorites. We went to the Blue Bayou in the Pirates of the Caribbean (a tradition for the Monte Cristo Sandwich) and ate heartily. Here are some of the shots =).

Disneyland Day 2

2009-12-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Day number two was great!!! We hit California Adventure and all of the fun rides. I LOVE that picture of Kev and Branson putting their cute little noses together. Kev said under penalty of death I had better put the picture he took of me above =). They are doing some great things in the park. They had drained the water in the middle so they could do something with the Little Mermaid and they had some new rides we hadn't been on. I ToTaLlY loved the Toy Story 3-D ride and may have gone on California Screamin one too many times...Kayson was such a trooper on Space Mountain but never let go =).

Disney Day One

2009-11-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun on our first day at Disneyland. The first ride was Star Tours. I couldn't believe that the line wait time was five minutes!!!!! Kayson and I barely got to see all the stuff in the line =). K-Diddy LoVeD light speed and our funny driver. We went on sooo many rides that I thought we wouldn't. For those of you that know me you know I get motion sickness so I didn't go on ANY roller coasters at Dis until I was about 12 years old. Someone ALWAYS had to stay out with me. One year when I went with a performance group Brooke Jackson and Jamie Knott InSiStEd that I go on Thunder Mountain Railroad. I was HOOKED after that!!!!! My lil Kayson went on it TWICE as well as Matterhorn Mountain, Pirates, Space Mountain and much more. I was so proud =). He was however too short for the ride he had been waiting for...Indiana Jones. Oh the public display of his lip was too much for me!!!! All in all he had a great day. It ended with him being instructed by way of "the force" to be a Jedi...needless to say after being officially trained and fighting Darth Vader, we could have packed up and gone home happy =).

Goofy's Kitchen

2009-11-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

We had SO much fun having dinner with all of the characters!!! Great food and great company. Who could ask for anything more right?

NOT A KID MOVIE!!!!!!!

2009-11-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

At least not a younger kid movie. Okay, so they weren't kidding when they said that there might be some scenes scary for younger children. Just goes to show you that I should have watched it before we took Kayson. I had taken them to the train that went across the country where we were able to see clips from the movie and how they made it. The boys LOVED that. I figured sure why not. We'll just leave Branson with Mimi and Granddad and we'll take Kayson on a date. We got yummy snacks, our 3-D glasses and settled in for a classic Christmas movie. Kayson was having so much fun, giggling at the previews and munching on his treats. Then for most of the movie he asked me to close his eyes. He wanted to stay and LoVeD the ending but WOW, kinda scary for a widdle kid. I think I would love to see it again just Kev and me. Jim Carey was GREAT!!!!! =)

Splish Splash

2009-11-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Branson loves to take showers and splash in the water. This time he was channeling Godzilla to frighten away small people...Mommy and Daddy anyway =).

Mimi's

2009-10-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

Kayson and Branson love to visit Mimi and Granddad. Their backyard is full of intrigue and adventure. We took them over a few weeks ago and let them "run wild".

Contest Time!!!!!

2009-10-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Do you play croquuueeeeeeet?????? Here is the Queen of Hearts from the upcoming Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. Go to my cosmetics blog for a chance to win some makeup and some brushes!!!!!

Neighborhood Fun

2009-10-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

We went out to play with all of our neighborhood friends and made HUGE piles of leaves. Kayson and Branson love these kids so much and they are all so nice to my boys.

I'm a Lover AND a Fighter!!!!!

2009-10-21T14:42:00.001-07:00

Kev and I were cleaning up our bedroom when we heard some labored breathing from the living room. We hadn't seen Kayson in a couple of minutes so we called out his name and in he ran shirtless with his boxing gloves on. We asked him to show us his moves and we got a couple of good shots, here are just a few. When the "photo shoot" was over I asked him why he wasn't wearing a shirt to which he replied with a sigh,"Mooooom, all the best fighters don't wear shirts." Duh.

FINALLY!!!!!

2009-10-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

After saving and SAVING and using our phones for pictures taking we have a new CAMERA!!!! I am so happy that we are getting it right before our Disney vacation but a little overwhelmed with all of the learning involved. The manual for it is in a different language it seems...but somehow, Jenni will get through and better pictures will be coming. You'll be able to see that my kids have two distinct eyes and just one head =).

You Guessed It.....

2009-10-12T22:39:00.001-07:00

A dirty double crosser!!!!!!! =)

Night of laughter...tee hee

2009-10-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Our ward did a night of laughter/harvest festival on Saturday night. It was SO much fun. Full of slap stick comedy. Everyone brought yummy soups and pies to be judged by a panel and devoured by everyone else =). Jokes and humorous stories were told, skits were presented, songs sung. Here I am doing a classic "Laugh-In" sketch that Lily Tomlin made famous. Ernestine was my name and the telephone company was my game to see the woman herself in action click here. I also sang 14g with some gals from the ward which I might post later...we'll see how much humiliation I want to feel. So what do you call a pig that crosses the road twice but refuses to take a bath? Take a guess in the comment section and I'll post the answer later =).

O Brother-in-Law Where Art Thou?

2009-10-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

There is a tape friends, a tape of woooonders. One that is spoken of in the Springer household with much pride and...yes the occasional outburst of laughter followed by endless fits of giggles. I am of course referring to my brother-in-law Scott's (somewhat) starring role in an '80 sing along movie. I had only heard of this tape until recently. I guess that 5 years of marriage qualified me to actually watch it. So he is in the band with some of his band mates from high school. Funny facts:
- He is pretending to play the instrument they gave him because he actually plays the trumpet but someone else was playing it.
- He is in only about two minutes of the whole thing and if you watch it with any Springer you'll know he's coming up because they get all tense and giddy in preparation.
- He is the only one in the band that decided to take his "character" in a new direction by choreographing this turn of the head you see above...none of the other band mates did it...we are still unclear as to why he did it.
Oh Scott, fun times. If any of you want to see him all of his glory here is the link =). He is at 7:25 Happy watching. You're kids might just fall in love with all of the songs!!!!! Cheers =).

Let Them Eat Cake....GOOD Cake!!!!!

2009-09-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

So our friend Lynda is a baking QUEEN!!!! If there is a good recipe out there she can make it better. If there is a GREAT one, she'll make you die for the recipe SHE comes up with after perfecting it!!! Well she has struck again and this time it is with cake.......yuuuuuuumy cake...

First you start with this delectable box of chocolate cake...that's right ladies, this is a BOX cake that is sure to please ANY gathering!!! You also need:

- 2 eggs - 1 21 oz Cherry pie filling - a half lb of chocolate wafers, and 5 TBSP of heavy whipping cream

Mix two eggs, cake mix and half the cherry filling well with an electric mixer. Pour in the remainder of the cherry filling and gently mix so that the cherries are nice and big within the mixture. Pour into a bunt pan and bake @ 350 degrees for about 30-40 min. Meanwhile.... In a sauce pan pour half of your chocolate wafers and 3 TBSP of heavy whipping cream. Don't leave it...keep stirring till smooth and creamy.

When cake is done let it cool in the bunt pan for 5 min. before turning over onto a platter. I put wax paper under the cake to catch drips (thanks Mommy-in-law) of chocolate. Pour melted chocolate over cake and let sit for 10 min. at room temperature. Put cake into fridge for half hour to cool and set chocolate.

Take cooled cake out and in the same sauce pan melt the rest of your chocolate wafers with only 2 TBSP of heavy whipping cream this time. Pour it over the cake and put it in the fridge to cool again till you serve it. By using less whipping cream the second time with the wafers you make the topping more like a hard candy shell.

Then, of course, you let your little helper have the melting spoon =). Yummy!!!!!

Enjoy!!!!!

Broadway Here I Cooooooooooome!!!!!!

2009-09-21T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here is Kayson doing what he does BEST....performing for "the little people". He does about two shows a night which is, yes, exhausting but he is tireless and always puts on a good show. Here he is with one of his favorite songs 14 G, it's KAAAAAYSOOOOOOONNNNN...........

Kayson's Scripture in Church

2009-09-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Kev and I were so proud of Kayson giving his first scripture and prayer in primary this past Sunday. We got him to do it again for us at home and here was what we got =).

Mommy and B

2009-09-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a mother who read to me.

--Strickland Gillilan

Harry Potter World!!!!!

2009-09-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

So this could be one of the coolest things ever that they are making as far as theme parks go. It's in Orlando and they are probably already sick of my mom calling and asking if she can book yet =)...Love ya Mom!!!!! I hope it is everything it looks like it will be!!!!

60 Years and Still dArLiNg!!!!!

2009-09-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet Grandma and Grandpa Nartker came up to Washington to see all the fam that lives up north and Brad came up with a marvelous plan. We were all to meet at my cousin Heather's house and surprise them with taking them out to dinner. We wanted to celebrate them being together for 60 years,,,which will be in October...but none of us would BE there for the California celebration so we decided to "bump" it up a little. I don't think they minded =). We went to Black Angus where I ate to my yummy salmon and a bit of everyone else's meal too. I even got the rest of Grandma's steak if I took a gulp of ranch. Never to turn down a dare when it comes to food I chugged and got a yummy steak...and the rest of her baked potato....I'M AN ANIMAL!!!!!!!

Then we got all of the cousin's together and took a nice shot.......almost everyone was happy =).

Then Brad said we should put in the DVD he made of my performance in the ward melo-drama.................Grandpa LoVeD it.....................

Bye Summer.....Can I put Up Halloween Stuff Yet?

2009-08-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

It's getting to be a bit more like Fall outside here in Oregon. It makes me remember the first time it started feeling like Summer. We dressed the boys in their cute tanks and decided it was time to get out in the sun and wash the car. There was still a touch of cold in the air but we were just too excited to wait. I have been wanting to decorate the apartment with our Halloween decorations already. Can you BLAME me??? I LOVE Halloween!!!!! I LoVe all of the decorations i bought last year after Halloween was over. There were MONSTER sales but you always have to wait till next year to put them up......that would be NOW!!!! What is your favorite holiday to decorate for?

Yeah More Pictures!!!!!

2009-08-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

I just got these pictures from my uncle from Kayson's birthday. He was kind enough to take pictures for us!!!! =)

My Top 10 Obsessions...So Far =)

2009-08-11T23:15:00.000-07:00

Kev and I were talking about obsessions last night and we asked each other to list our top ten. Well, of course the Type A in me was ScReAmInG at me to jump and make a list on paper right then and there. Then I took it a step further and thought, what a fun post and ooooooh the picture ideas it would create SO here we are and I want to see everyone in my side bar that loves lists or tagging to do it too. It was really fun =) Heeeeeeeere we gooooooooo.....

#10. the computer

i LOVE being on the computer. i LOVE blogging, reuniting with friends on Facebook, learning things on YouTube shout out to monroemisfit, MissChievous, Makeup by Tiffany D......i LOVE the computer. Sometimes I have like 10 windows opened up on my browser at a time. Much to Kevin's chagrin, of course, although he WAS the one that wanted me to learn more about computers and stop asking him questions about it =).

#9.Lauren Conrad aaaaaaaaaaand.........daaaaa Hills da Hills da Hills da Hills

I am not gonna lie....I am hooked on the Hills. I truly feel that I would be good friends with Lauren Conrad.....I'm not wierd.....I'm just sayin =). I, for some reason, love the drama, the friendships, the betrayal, the fashion......I just love the show. Just not a fan of Heidi and Spencer...ew.

#8. decorating/organizing

I could spend HOURS in model homes, weeks, MONTHS even. I ADORE Candice Olson and everything she creates. I love the deep wine colors and the soft, warm beauty of Tuscan style homes. I love having every window dressed with curtains. I think there is something oddly romantic about pulling the drapes closed at night, putting everything back in it's proper place before going to bed =). And let's be honest everything has a place, everything in it's place? Sexy motto to be sure!!!

#7. the Harry Potter series

I remember I was reading the first book not for my benefit but to hopefully lull an overly sleepy child I was watching to sleep. I remember when I was a little girl I used to LOVE the times in grade school when we would go to the library and hear stories read to us. Our librarian, Mrs. Luoma, was the BEST reader!!!! When she read James and the Giant Peach, Mr. Poppers Penguins or Matilda, I was hooked, enthralled by the clever descriptions of the authors. That's when my love of reading began. As I read that Harry Potter for the first time I was quickly taken back to that grade school library anxiously waiting for the next page to be read. The first will always be my favorite because it was the first, and kudos to the first and second movies for being JUST what I imagined. Can't say that for any of the rest even though I still have enjoyed them.

#6. food

I was thinking of inserting a picture here of my "Jennifer Lopez" with a caption...'nuf said...but I didn't think that would be hugely approprate. Needless to say I am obsessed with good food.

#5. dancing

I have wanted to dance ever since I was a little girl watching all of the musicals that my dad had taped. Gene Kelly and Ann Miller were for SURE favorites. I often thought of why I was born in the wrong time =). I love shows about dancing....hello???? So You Think You Can Dance? Long title but well worth watching after they spit it out. This guy down here is one of, if not my FAVORITE choreographers...THE...Wade Robson. He is magical in everything he creates. Look him up on You Tube if you aren't familiar with him!!!!!

#4. Fall

Apple Hill is a MUST when in Northern California. Quaint, cozy, scarf worthy, chocolate shops, apples, fishing in a darling pond, fresh pickins from obliging fields..are you dying yet??????

Caramel apples straight from a Martha Stewart dizzying dream. How can you not love the colors, the smells, and sights of Halloween? Just looking at the pictures makes me want to throw a mascarade ball!!!

#3. shopping

Hey, I didn't say these weren't shallow obsession. I loved playing dress up as a little girl and I love it now. My friend Monica and I used to try on her sister's old prom dresses and act like royalty....good times =). I can't explain the feeling of having a best friend by your side exiting your favorite store with a bag of amazing finds that you just tried on and looked stunning in. I love Nordstrom, Forever 21, Ann Taylor, T.J. Max, White House Black Market, Old Navy, Target. Oh, so many stores so little time. At least I can hold my head high when I do buy something knowing in some small way I am helping boost the economy =).

#2 anything Disney

But mostly just Disneyland. We went there almost every year growing up and I always feel like a kid again when I go back. My kids...and secretly I...love all of the shows on Disney Channel. Kayson even gets to have a "date" with Mommy when a new movie comes out. We stayed up late with our popcorn waiting for the High School Musicals and Camp Rock. We might have even had a few air guitar rock balled moments =). I love the magic of Disney. I loved having my annual pass, getting some dinner at the Blue Bayou then going out to people watch. Everyone is happy, excited and eager to see what awaits them around the next corner....and they are never disappointed. There's magic in like every detail...

#1 makeup

(singing voice) IIIIIII looooove maaaaakeuuuuuup!!!!! The colors are so vibrant and fun especially when they are all laid out and organized in the store just beeeeeeeegging you to touch, try, and WEAR!!!!! It's been such a fun experience bringing out the best in women and showing them what makeup can do. It is always rewarding to see their eyes light up after a makeover. The confidence, and excitment is sooooo payment enough. I feel so fortunate to be able to do something I love. To learn more and more about it everyday and every session. I hope to always grow, learn and progress. What a fun little obsession =). What are yours???

I'm Sorry...Are You Growling At Me????

2009-08-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

I asked Branson to smile and this is what he gave me...hmmm...there are so many things that make Branson funny but I think my favorite is "the grunt". It's a mix between a grizzly and a Scrooge humbug type grunt. It always comes up when I am apparently interrupting him.

Me: B it's time to put the toys away now.
Branson: Grrrrrr... (wrinkles his nose up and just sits there).
Me: B, you already had something to eat, put the cheese stick away.
B: Grrrrrr... (drops the before mentioned treat and stalks away).
Me: Ugh, Branson, you are StInKy!!! Let's change your bum.
B: Grrrrrr...(walks away, head hung to get a diaper).
Me: Honestly??? You are drawing on yourself??
B: Grrrrrr... (immediately walks over to Kayson and draws on his face).
(He is sitting reading a book, something he loves to do. Far be it from me to bother him, but...)
Me: C'mon B it's time to go to the store.
B: Grrrrrr...(lays his book down, gets up, hangs his head as he walks into his closet, gets his shoes and throws them at me).
Then Out of NoWhErE...
B: Grrrrrr...
Me: ???? What? I didn't ask you to do anything? I have been leaving you alone...What????
He pats his diaper and says,"poop." Hangs his head and goes to get a diaper. I am speechless...