O Christmas Tree

We put up the Christmas Tree and it ended up looking pretty nice! It is a fake tree that our dear friend Linda gave to us last year and the ornaments I got last year the day before christmas from Costco. They had been $30 and I got them for $8.94. It is not pre-lit but lights are cheap. I think all in all the entire tree cost us about $15. Not bad in my book.

Who is going to do the dishes now?

My dish boy is out of commission for the next 3 weeks minimum! Merry Christmas to him. I must have been put on the naughty list though I am not quite sure what I did to deserve it.

Duncan has played football for 4 year and has never even had scratch on his body. On Monday Nov. 30th he was in gym class playing dodge ball. He was running for a ball when a girl who was playing volleyball on the next court decided it would be "funny" to grab his leg and trip him. His hand broke his fall. I thought at first he had just jammed his fingers but after 4 days the swelling was still there and his whole hand was starting to bruise. We took him in for an x-ray and he broke the 3rd and 4th fingers on his left hand (he can still write thank goodness) and broke the growth plate beneath them. He has a cast for 3 weeks, he will then get a new x-ray to make sure if everything is healing okay. If it is all healing correctly he will get a soft cast for 3 more weeks. If there is still damage to his growth plates he will have to have surgery. Thrilling!

Here are some pictures of the casting process... (since this is the first time anyone in our family has broken a bone this was probably more exciting to us than most people.)

I have really been enjoying my dishpan hands!

This is the first layer, a soft guaze

2nd layer is a cushiony type material

I made him choose red, it is christmas after all

At home for a close up

The final product.

You Get What You Get

and you don't throw a fit.... That is what Christina always chants to Aurora and Duncan. Apparently it does not apply to her.

*Turn down your volume..

The Girls...

Just because Aurora had a completely awesome outfit on the other day....





Just because Aurora had a completely awesome outfit on the other day....

Good things out of bad.

Yesterday I took Aurora to the Neurologist for a very long EEG session so that we could catch one of her seizures on record. The morning went smoothly I got up early baked a batch of Madeliene cookies for the staff at the Dr.'s office, was able to get the diaper bag ready, get Christina ready for her field trip and dress Aurora without any screaming. We arrived on time and went into the EEG room. Aurora was fine with the rainbow belt they put on her and then it all fell apart. As soon as the green cosmonaut hat was put on the screaming began. The next 45 minutes was nothing but screaming, kicking, pulling the hat off, hitting, and trying to bite me. We finally gave up and decided that other measures needed to be taken to get an accurate EEG. What those are exactly we are not sure. We do still have options but none of them is going to make little Miss Aurora very happy.

After the Dr.'s office I decided since I was in Reno I should stop by Home Farbrics. It is this amazing fabric store that has excellent fabric for really low prices. I took my mother last time she was here and even she was impressed. I found some killer fabric. I would describe it but only a picture will do it justice. Even a picture doesn't quite capture how beautiful this fabric is!

I also found another great fabric that I am going to finish up the girls curtains with.

I fell in love instantly when I saw it and I can't wait to make duvet covers out of it. For some reason finding this fabric made all the bad things that happened this morning fade away and all was good with the world again.

Germs Germs Germs

The only time I care about germs is when they are the kind that make my children sick. Church in the winter time is a haven for them. All those sniffly children and adults in small confined spaces that do not seem very well ventilated at times. I have always been a strong advocate for staying home if you or your child is sick. The rest of the family can go with out you and lessons and other things will be taken care of. I tend to keep my girls home more often than not in the winter not because they are sick but because of the people that went to Church who are sick.

Today Christina has to stay home from school because of something she picked up at church yesterday.

My girls are fever prone. If Aurora gets one she keeps it for days, no other side effects thank goodness, and if Christina gets a fever she usually ends up with a seizure or two and spends the next two days exhausted. I feel so badly for my girls when they are sick and I know that other mothers feel the same for their children. My own mother has a compromised immune system and has to stay home on Sundays much of the winter months because people will just not stay home.

I feel it is a common courtesy to remain home, I mean really do you want everyone to feel as miserable as you or your child does. This was not instigated by the H1N1 virus I have felt this way for years.

I say this year we all stand up and promise to decrease the number of colds and bugs that are spread at church. Do you really want to be responsible for Old Sister Bell catching a cold that turns into something worse or those cute little twins catching a bug that keeps their already exhausted parents up all night with worries and steam baths.

If you aren't sick then wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands so you don't get sick.

A Lesson Learned

Never be late to church.... ever again. As I type this my daughter has a piece of bread which she tore into little pieces and got herself some water to go along with it. Those of my readers who are LDS can probably see where this is going... those who are not I will explain further.

We were actually ready on time this morning when it dawned on me that Christina had to give a small talk in Primary. I had gotten a call the previous day reminding me but still it slipped my mind. The talk took me 5 minutes to write and we were still on our way to being at Church on time. Then it happened, I fell and it was not graceful. I was putting on my boots. I had been standing but realized that this was a job better done sitting. I decided to sit down at my computer chair the one with wheels (yes we can see where this is going) I didn't quite make the chair but instead simply pushed it back and I went down and hit the back of my head on it. IT HURT LIKE @#%@#@#$.... I felt a small bump and Edric said it was red. He keeps telling me I took a dive Pete Rose style (what ever that means) I could feel the headache coming fast. It took me about 10 minutes to get my bearings and get some Excedrin to ward off any pain that might be coming my way.

We got to church just as they were finishing up passing the Sacrament Christina was very upset by this. Not crying upset, instead she gave told us that we kept her from taking the Sacrament and she had really wanted it today. I felt about 2 inches tall. I have felt lightheaded since and my head is aching. I am not quite sure if what I am typing is even making much sense.

What I do know is that my daughter (without the prayer lol) made Sacrament for herself lol. She did eat the entire piece of bread and drank a large glass of water. When she was done, she informed us that even though we were late she still made sure she got the bread and water. I don't think she truly understands the meaning of why we take it but the fact that she knows it is important is a good start. I think I will take this moment as a teaching lesson for Family Home Evening this week. I am now off to lay down and close my eyes... my head still hurts. But like I said I know for a fact that I will never let that girl miss the Sacrament again.

Surfing the net....

So I was surfing the net and found this... I hate high chairs.. we have one we got at a garage sale but it is constantly dirty and crustated. I can't stand it. Aurora is big enough to sit in a chair now but she still has a tendency to fall out. I went looking for a low cost alternative and found this...

Cloth High Chair

Yeah I am going to attempt to make this next week... I would do it this week but take a look at this...

All those little tabs mean an activity... it go so busy that I had to resort to them as my hand writing can be atrocious at times and this way if something changes I just take it off.

I can't wait to go back to the fabric store next week and find some cute fabric that screams Aurora... I think I might be ready to start on their room also which means great curtains. Don't you hate that feeling when your head is spinning with ideas. I think I need a notebook with post its too.

Kung Fu Fighting

Wonder Woman

I didn't take any pictures on Halloween because I am lame and didn't charge my camera battery and I was out of regular batteries for my small camera. I know worst mother of the year award will be sending me a nomination any day now. I did take these pictures of Aurora though and I must say she is the cutest Wonder Woman I have ever seen.

I could apologize but I won't because I don't feel bad

I don't feel bad or guilty for not blogging. I have been living life to the fullest and now things are settling down and I can share. September and October were uneventful and full of events all at the same time. We woke up everyday got dressed or didn't get dressed depending on where we were going, cleaned or lounged, worked and played, cried and laughed, and didn't feel the need to eat our young or call an attorney to find out the price of a divorce. We are still a family that loves each other and the past two months has been the most rewarding, scary, busy, tasty, illuminating, faith and testimony building, and wonderful since I can last remember.

September filled our week nights and weekends with football. It seemed like everything we did revolved around football. We worked around it and Duncan was successful. The rest is a blur.

October was full of traveling, pumpkins, football (again) Dr. visits, therapy, prayers and blessings, Wonder Woman, Fairy Princesses, and wonderful weather.

I went to Virginia for the first time in 5 years. No kids just John and Kathy's originals were invited. It was great. I slept in a nice big bed without being woken up by the chatter and knocking of children, sat for 2 hours at an Indian restaurant with my sisters eating, laughing, talking about everything and nothing all at the same time. I saw my sister Beenie as an adult for the first time in my life.. yes it took me seeing her working at her office for this to happen... sad I know. It takes FIVE GUYS to cook the perfect burger. I learned that my sister Jenny is better than any make up artist at the mall and the best part is that her services are free of charge and she doesn't expect you to buy everything on the counter and you walk away feeling beautiful and refreshed. Heather should never talk on the phone and drive at the same time (thank goodness there are no red light cameras on Hooes Rd.) I have decided that I hate rain, love all songs by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons (go see Jersey Boys) Big girls should not wear shirts that say "Big Girls Don't Cry" and my parents and the Penns have my dream kitchen. I baked and baked on Saturday night and enjoyed every minute of it. I missed Virginia but I love Reno. I can't way to go back with the kids and visit again!

We kept meaning to buy pumpkins to carve but it never happened. I felt guilty for about 5 minutes before I realized that my kids didn't care. I love hearing Aurora say Tik - o -teet" and running from door to door. Yellow hair spray does not look good on someone with dark dark brown hair (it comes out green). Wonder Woman costumes look the best on 2 yr olds.

Winter in Reno usually hits around the last weekend in October this year it has yet to come knocking.. I have not had to use the heat or A/C once in October and I am very appreciative of that especially after seeing my NV Energy bill. WOO HOO!

A lot has been going on with Aurora.. we had a scare with her White Blood Cell counts and I know more about WBCs and what is normal and the possibilities of what abnormal means than I want to. She is fine btw. Aurora is having Absence seizures and was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism but those are things we can handle and work with and they don't scare me one bit. It was reaffirmed to me that blessings and prayers do make a difference work and Heavenly Father is aware of us.

Christina started Karate and achieved her white belt, can kick super high and has found her voice on the karate mat. Football is over for Duncan. Not only did he lose his game on Halloween but got back too late to go out and scavenge for candy.

It is now November we are healthy, happy and ready for the holidays to begin. I will get around to posting pictures later on this weekend or next week. This weekend I am taking Christina to Disney Princess's on ice so I am sure there will be a ton of pictures from that.

Inspiration... German Chocolate Bites

It had been a few weeks since I had taken out my cupcake tins and started baking... my family was craving something sweet so I decided satiate their hunger.

I don’t know many people (besides the crazy ones) that don’t like German Chocolate cake but an entire cake can be daunting when it is so rich with flavor and coconut goodness. I decided to decrease the size and enhance the taste with a smaller bite size version of this delectable classic.

German Chocolate Bites

Coconut Frosting/Filling

3 Egg Yolks beaten

1 can Evaporated Milk (12 oz)

1-1/4 cups of Brown Sugar ( I use light or golden brown)

1- 1/2 sticks of room temperature butter ( I break it up into pieces with my hands)

2 tsp of pure Vanilla (it really does make a difference it you use imitation)

¼ tsp of Salt

1 14 oz bag of sweetened shredded coconut

2 cups of roasted pecans chopped into small pieces

(I originally got this recipe from Martha Stewart but I altered the measurements for taste purposes)


Combine egg yolks, evaporated milk, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Add butter, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick, about 10 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve into a bowl.


Stir in vanilla, salt, coconut, and pecans. Let cool completely. Frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day; bring to room temperature before using.

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

This recipe was on Food Network during a show down with Bobby Flay. I preferred the “Make My Cake” Recipe

4 ounces baker’s chocolate (recommend: Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate)

1/2 cup water

2 cups cake flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 pound unsalted butter, room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 eggs, separated

1 cup buttermilk

Directions

In a micro-safe bowl, melt chocolate and water together in microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and set aside. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder. Set aside.

In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream together the butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in melted chocolate. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating, until everything is combined.

Using an electric mixer beat egg whites, in a small bowl, until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the batter.

Pour batter into 3 (9-inch) cake pans or 2 (12 capacity) cupcake tins. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before filling and frosting.

To Assemble the German Chocolate Cake:

Start with a layer of cake, top with a generous layer of the caramel/pecan frosting, place the other layer of cake on top of the frosting, frost that layer with caramel/pecan frosting

Around the outside of the entire cake, spread dark chocolate frosting (secret recipe) to cover.

Since her Chocolate Frosting recipe was “secret” I came up with my own a couple of weeks back... I don’t even like frosting and I could eat this by the spoonful.

C.A.K.E.D Chocolate Frosting

4 sticks of Room Temperature butter (unsalted)

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cup boiling water

1 cup of powdered sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 bag of great semi-sweet chocolate chips melted and cooled.

Melt Chocolate chips and set them aside to cool, combine the cocoa powder and boiling water and mix together. In a separate bowl mix butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Beat on high until light in color and airy. Scrape down the sides and add in the cocoa and water mixture. Add in the melted chocolate chips and beat together. NOW GET FROSTING, or grab a spoon and start eating. This frosting is very soft so if you want to harden it up a little you can stick it in the fridge.

Almost over...

Every June I look forward to school ending and being able to spend some time with my kids. This summer we took some great vacations and really got to spend some quality time as a family. Now it is August and I cannot wait for School to start again. I know there are many that say... hold on to this time you will miss it and so on... but for now I can't wait until Aug 31st. Children are not hardwired to be cooped up in a house hanging out with their mother and I am not wired that way either. Duncan goes out and has a good time but lately the weather has been so hot that going outside is not really an option. I must say though that Aug 31st is a double edged sword for me. Duncan starts school, but that is also the first day of Christina's one month break! I think there is a conspiracy against me!

I must say though I do enjoy having my little shadow at home. Christina loves to do what I do. If I am sitting there folding laundry she wants to put it away and if I am mopping the floors she will try and assist in any way possible. I have become a fan of year round school because it breaks up the time when Christina is home. Next year when Aurora is in pre-school I will have them off track during different months which will be really nice. It will afford each of them some one on one time with mom. The Jr. High and High School are on a traditional schedule that goes from August to June which is perfect for Duncan and his plethora of Summer camps and activities.

To get back on topic though... while I love summer I seem to enjoy the end just a little bit more. I feel like I can get back on track and get a better schedule going for the whole household. I stick to my grocery schedule and bedtimes are never compromised. I do think the reason I enjoy the back to school week the most is because of all the supply shopping. I love shopping for pencils and pens, crayons and markers, paper and notebooks, and most of all things to organize a student all year long. There is something relaxing and almost therapeutic about it.

So say farewell to summer and Hello to crisp fall mornings and light sweaters and class holiday parties that never seem to end from Late October until January. I welcome it all.

Daddy's girls

Edric had ice cream and the girls came running...

Aurora tried to be cute to get it.....

and it worked out just as she planned

then it was time for some wrestling and then....

ring around the rosies..

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!

The Football season has officially begun at the Carreon House. Actually practices began back in late July but Duncan and his team the Spanish Springs Cougars had their pre-season scrimmages on Saturday and will have their first game on August 29th at the Spanish Springs HS field. So if you are in Reno/Sparks area come one out and cheer!!

Duncan is #9 this year and is playing the position of tight end which according to all the men I have talked... this is the perfect position for someone with Duncan's stature.

Duncan explaining to Dad what he did in the first game... something about getting into someone's head...

Duncan and Dad

Duncan listening to his coaches

Duncan is #9 (the person in all white first in the line all crouched down)

Duncan wondering what the heck the Quarter back was doing... he was supposed to throw to Duncan who is wide open and instead ran the ball to be sacked bad.

One goes and they all go

Whenever Christina goes to time out I don't have to look very long and Aurora is sitting there beside her usually talking and smiling with her arm around her Sissy's back. We have started time out for Aurora and lo and behold Christina does not abandon her sister but hangs out with her also...

Such sisterly love..

July was BUSY!!! and tons of fun!

It has been a while since my last post and my friend Abby's post today (see Idle Prattle to your left) prompted me to update.

Lets see where did we leave off.. Haggling and Wall-E..

July has been our busiest month yet. We had a family reunion with Edric's family that went well. We celebrated the 4th in a very low key way... dinner as a family and since our town was the only one within about 40 miles having fireworks we opted for PBS and watched the ones at the Nations Capital which made me terribly home sick. Edric promised a stellar Halloween full of decorations and even a party if we could avoid the 100,00 + crowd in Sparks... so I caved.

Duncan flew off to Utah on July 5th for BYU speed and power camp, thanks to our Dear Sweet Jenny O for picking him up and driving him down and our Dear Sweet Ryan R for picking him up and taking him back to the airport. Duncan had a great time and increased his vertical jump, his speed and from what I see on the scale out the Cannon center out of all their food.

On July 9th Edric and I headed off with the girls (Duncan got to fly to our destination) to the Northwest. We drove through beautiful Mount Lassen National Forest and enjoyed all the greenery that Oregon and Washington have to offer. Living in Nevada for 5 years, you almost forget what the color green really looks like.

My wonderful sister Jenny bought some Coldplay tickets for my birthday. July 10th my actual birthday we went to the concert while Trent , Edric and all the kids went camping in a Yurt. The concert was amazing (we had 3rd row center) and I had flash backs to my first Coldplay concert in SLC with Edric, Jenny, and Jimmy.

Chris Martin Rocking out!

When we got out of the concert I got a call from Edric that to our surprise Aurora did not like camping (not really a surprise lol) Edric drove back to Jenny's house and we met up where I got some great birthday snuggling from my little girl... it was more like she was holding on to me for dear life and scream at me for leaving her with the masses.

The next day Jenny and I ran around with Aurora running errands, Trent corralled all the kids from the camp site and Edric got some much deserved sleep. It was followed by an evening of boating for the dad's and older kids and Edric and I tasting the most delicious burgers in the world.... FIVE GUYS!!!! I am hooked for life.

On Sunday afternoon we headed out of Portland (we hope to be back soon) and were on our way to Seattle to visit Edric's brother Edmon and his wife Julie. You name it we did it! We went to pikes of course, we shopped downtown, we took the ferry to Bainbridge (we hope to eventually move there) we ate the most delicious gelato on Bainbride from Mora's iced creamery . We went to an adorable yarn shop, and a cute fabric store... it is what my dreams are made of.. all within walking distance. We had Ivars clam chowder on the Ferry, fed the seagulls and watched for jelly fish.

The boys on the Ferry to Bainbridge

Sharing Ivar's clam chowder on the Ferry

Aurora and Dad chowing down at Honey Court

There was a lot of eating on this trip, we tried Malaysian food which is wonderful, we had excellent Dim Sum and Chinese, and we went to a place call theLunch Box Laboratory their burgers are amazing!!!

A Lunchbox Lunch!!

Edmon and Duncan at Lunchbox

We of course tracked down a FIVE GUYS and ate there too. We had an awesome lunch at Essential Bakery, soo good.

Christina and Julie at Essential Baking

The best place we found was thanks to Shay Wotring a face book friend of Edric's she told us to track down Molly Moon's so we did and ice cream will never be the same to me.... Salted Caramel has now ruined all other ice cream... I can't go back now!

Molly Moon's (it is worth waiting in line for)

We went and saw Jim Henson's puppets at sat on the stoop at Sesame Street and we visited Bruce Lee's grave. We went to Lake Washington's beach with the family and the Museum of Flight for the boys. We had excellent filipino food at Edmon's in-laws, we played video games, we swam in the pool, the boys had a few male bonding nights out and then before we knew it we were traveling through Mt. Shasta 3 hours from home.

Bruce Lee's Grave

We know how to get to Sesame Street

The Wright Brothers.

Building Sand Castles

Lake Washington

Christina started school the day after we got home, Duncan started football practice too and things have been full steam ahead ever since. July was amazing and one I hope my children will remember because I know I will.

The only thing I regret was missing my Dad's 60th Birthday party but we were driving home that day. There is even a happy ending to that thought.. I get to visit VA in October (with no children) I think for the first time in a long time my parents will have all their girls back in their home... which means for some good times!

Haggle, why don't more people do it.

Ok so I was talking to my sister Beenie yesterday I was relaying my latest bargain. She told me I needed to blog about my adventure so here goes...

I went to Home Depot on Father's day weekend looking for a Grill for Edric. The one I really wanted was a Brinkman 4 burner grill with a burner on the side for beans, corn.. pretty much what ever you could put in a pot. It has all my specs but was still a little out of the budget I has set for myself.

When I arrived (courtesy of my friend Emilie) I was a row of ready built grills for the model I wanted but out of the corner of my eye I saw a similar grill for $149 it was a tad smaller than the Brinkman on sale for $199 but it would do the job just fine. I found an associate and told them that I wanted this grill but I needed it assembled (they do that for free!!) I was informed that the assembler was not in and that an assembled grill would take about a week to receive. I looked at the guy (his name was Joey) and said with a smile and a laugh in my voice "Joey are you telling me that on Father's day weekend you have no grill assembler in the store?" I walked over to the Brinkman grill and said

" I see you have a large amount of these grills already put together.. what kind of deal can you give me. I really need this for Father's day and I for once in my life am really going to be able to pull off a surprise for my husband."

J - "Let me think about it for a minute.... I can give you $40 off....

K- "Come on Joey you can do better than that... I know I can drive over to Lowes and get that grill for $149 and still have some money to burn.... what can you do for me?"

J - "Ok I can give you $40 off and include the propane tanke... but you have to promise to by the cover for the grill too."

K- "I can handle that, you have a deal!" --- btw the grill cover was $19.99 and I would bought it eventually anyways.

So after all was said and done I got a $199 grill for $159 plus a free propane tank full which would have cost me $42. I did buy the $19 grill cover but like I said I would have bought it down the road eventually.

Stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy and others just want to make a sale. I got my $90 cordless phone for $60 at Best Buy and also my $200 Blu-Ray Player and HDMI High Speed Cable for $150 at Best Buy also. I have haggled with big items even at Costco. When Edric and I bought our mini-van .. we traded in our car for $4500 (they matched that amount) and we still walked away only owing about $10,000 on a $27,000 car. (that was in early 2007 before the Auto industry went kaput)

I am nice and sweet and very matter a fact about what I want and how much I can really pay. I don't get snippy or rude (you get more flies with honey than vinegar) I am not taking advantage of the economy... I just realize that in this economy retailers just want to sell, they still want to make a profit but everything is priced so that discounts that are made don't devastate their bottom line. I have a tight budget like most everyone I know so next time you are out buying a big item... furniture, things for the home and what ever else (maybe not groceries unless you are at the farmers market) see what price you can negotiate it never hurts to ask and you may be surprised at what the answer might be. If there is an option to not pay the asking price and pay less don't you want to be the person paying less.

WALL-E

Aurora does not like many things... she does not like new people (the Wrights being the exception), small places, stuffed animals, loud noises, etc, etc.  One thing Aurora loves is WALL-E.  She could watch WALL-E all day everyday.  For her birthday (not until July but...) she got a huge WALL-E from Granny Haddow.  She loves it.... it goes with us everywhere as doe her WALL-E blanket, her purple blanket and EVE.  It is like her American Express card.. she never leaves home without it.  

The things we never leave home without.

Watching Christina closely to make sure she doesn't come near her stuff

Can we guest what movie she is watching?

Poor Christina

Christina had a rough day with her seizures about 2 weeks ago. She assumed her favorite position on the couch and pretty much slept the whole day. That is until Aurora tried playing Nurse Maid to her. Aurora tried to snuggle with Christina and comfort her but she basically ended up trying to scoot Christina off the couch and commandeer her spot. (Aurora did not win that day)

Aurora and Meadow

I just love these two girls and they love each other!!

Curtain update

I finished one panel of the curtains and was starting on the next one when my sewing machine broke. Luckily I found the part I needed online and I will have it just in time to finish a few more curtains before Edric's family arrives for the big reunion....(GULP)

Doing the top of the first panel

The bottom of a finished panel

The entire panel finished.

Curtains For The Kitchen

So I am making new Curtains for the sliding glass door in my kitchen.  A few weeks ago we go this rug for our kitchen to go underneath our table. 

I was never a real fan of French blue and Chocolate brown but I fell in love with it when I saw this rug.  I know I am a bit behind the times and this color combination is probably on it's way out but I don't care.  I love it.  So I bought this material from  Home Fabrics  .  We have a store here in Reno and I love it.  It is definitely the goto place when you want to find a great design and pay a little price.

I am making 2 panels with the fabric and there will be a Chocolate Brown border along all four sides of each panel.  I am considering tab top but I am not sure yet.    I am also lining the back of the curtain with white fabric to keep out the sun.  This part of the house gets a ton in the afternoon.

I am going to make a curtain for the small kitchen window also to match.  I chose a fabric that has more blue than brown to keep things light and to bring out the blue in the rug.

Why I love Etsy

So in August I am decorating the girls room and I found these great pictures to put up!!! Every time I see them I just smile at how much they remind me of Christina and Aurora

I went to Tummy Mountain on Etsy and fell in love!!!

These are some of the pictures I am going to get for the girls room







There are a few more but you get the idea.... I just love them....

Pictures

Our friend Mike Carpenter went to Provo and got us this great picture of the Provo Temple where we were sealed.  

I ordered this picture a long time ago for the girls and I finally framed it... I love it. I got it off Etsy.

May Recap

So May was a pretty non-eventful month (just the way we like it)  We played a lot and got sick a lot (we all spent one week with a horrible stomach bug).  Christina always looks the most pitiful when she is sick. She loves to just lay on the floor and sleep until she feels better.   

Aurora spent a lot of time in the play area under the steps this month.  Having the toys organized has really increased her interest in them.  Aurora cannot stand clutter what so ever.  It is a tight space but if she has room to play around she is happy.  

This was taken on Tiara Friday of course....

Duncan is working on finishing up 7th grade and he keeps growing like a weed!  I cannot keep that boy in pants and shoes to save my life.  I would have pictures up but he seems to hate the camera lately.... GOTTA LOVE TEENAGERS!!

God cares if you don't listen in church

Just ask Christina! She was walking down the hallway after being rowdy during Sacrament and BOOM!! She fell right on her face! (j/k) she tripped and fell some how and ended up with a nice fat lip!

Christina's 5th Birthday Party

The Cake to beat all Cakes ... introducing the Princess Castle Cake!

So I made an amazing cake (if I do say so myself) for Christina's birthday Party. It is a Princess Castle Cake. The towers are white plastic but the tower tops are purple gum paste with edible glitter. There were over 200 flowers on this cake and I made them all. It was a lot of work but the look on her face when she saw the cake was priceless!!

Granny came to town!!

Granny came for a visit and we got a few pics of our adventures with her and Duncan documented their day together. She took the kids to see monsters vs. aliens, and they went to Scheels and rode the Ferris Wheel in the store (it is a big store). Duncan and Granny also went and saw Knowing and made a quick stop at GameStop for some video game shopping. On Friday we went to Build a Bear for Christina's birthday and Granny and Christina created a pink unicorn decked out in Hannah Montana gear. On Saturday Granny, Christina and I made a run to the Fabric store and made a cushion for the bench and some curtains for a few of the windows. WE had a great visit and even Aurora warmed up to Granny. We can't wait until she can come and visit again. (picture of Queenie the Unicorn coming soon)

Granny and Christina hanging out.

Granny in front of game stop.

The kids trying to help Granny

Bench in the Front Entry Way

Laundry Room

Bathroom

can you believe this fabric was only $3 a yard!!!

Entry Way

Duncan at Game Stop with Granny

And now some art work by Christina... Photographed by Christina

Pictures taken by Christina and artwork done by Christina.

Easter

Easter was so fun this year... Christina was really into and she even made sure that Aurora had some clue as to what was going on this year.  The Easter Bunny was the topic of conversation at almost every meal for most of the month of March.  We had to have a few conversations as to what the real meaning of Easter was and at the end of Easter Sunday she seems to get the point that we were really celebrating the resurrection of Christ and that the Easter bunny was fun but he was not the reason.  

I also participated in Kari's (Disco Mom) EBX 09... I got a great basket and enjoyed every minute of opening each wrapped surprise.

On Sunday we went to church in the afternoon and the Easter Bunny visited while we were at church....  The kids were pretty happy with the results and later that day we had an Easter egg hunt with our neighbor's Brooklyn and Addison and a few of Edric's work friends.

I also made some Easter cupcakes... because what is a holiday without cupcakes or cake.

VENT!!!

Ok so you can be rude to me all you want, I can take it and I can defend myself, but when you are rude to my 4 yr old that crosses the line!!  

So we made these Easter Cupcakes yesterday.  Christina really wanted to give one to her Bus Driver this afternoon.  She was so excited and held the cupcake with complete joy and excitement.  Her bus came and she was getting on and the bus driver immediately tells her in a stern voice "YOU can't bring that on the bus"  Christina says, "It's not for me it's for you we made them"  She was so proud!  The Bus Driver rolls her eyes and says..."What am I supposed to do with this?!" and throw it in her garbage can.  Christina saw this and looked so sad.  I was so shocked that I couldn't even speak!  The door closed and off she drove.  Maybe if she spent less money bleaching her hair, turning her skin a leathery brown and less time at the nail salon she would have time to develop manners and understanding how precious a gift from a child is!! 

Excuse my language but who the HELL does this lady think she is!  Christina's expression when she saw the bus driver throwing away the cupcake devastated me!  It all happened so fast I didn't have time to get over the shock to even react.  If I did I would have ripped the cupcake out of the garbage called the bus driver an Ungrateful @!*@!  and taken Christina off the bus.  

UGH  why do people have to be so mean!

Best Buddies

As most of you know Aurora has had a little friend since before birth her name is Meadow... her mom and I were pregnant together and actually delivered 11 days apart!  I remember holding Meadow on the day she was born, and she has had a place in my heart ever since.  I am really fortunate to spend time with this Blonde Bomber 3 days a week and Meadow and Aurora are like two peas in a pod.  Meadow is adventurous and out going and Aurora is funny and timid.  Aurora lets Meadow try everything first and then after seeing if it worked out then and only then will Aurora try it.  They could not compliment each other more.  They are almost complete opposites that fit together perfectly like two puzzle pieces.  They even look opposite.... Meadow with her fair skin and blonde hair and blue eyes and Aurora with her olive skin, almost black hair and dark brown eyes.  It has been amazing to literally watch these two grow up with each other.  I can't wait to see what they will do next.

Conference Weekend

This weekend was General Conference for our Church or as Duncan likes to call it "Pajama Church"  we watch our leader speak to us via TV and KBYU.  It was a great weekend and the kids loved watching all the sessions.  I made cupcakes for the Saturday afternoon session and we made a big breakfast for the Morning session.  Edric took Duncan to Priesthood Session and his friends spent the night and watched the Sunday morning session with us.  

Our Ward gave Christina a conference packet which she had fun filling out and Aurora enjoyed conference the most when she was watching from her high chair stuffing her face with cupcakes.

Dress Up Queens

Christina loves to dress up and that passion has now hit Aurora.  They love to dress up and dance around the house.  Sometimes Aurora even goes so far as to try and fit into the Build-A-Bear clothing...  as you can see it doesn't quite fit.

Houston Part 2

While we were in Houston Heather took us downtown to where her office is.  She has an amazing office!!  It is on the 52nd floor and is decorated amazingly (Notice I took a picture of the bathroom since because I thought is was soo cool!!)  

We then went to a place called Discovery Green.. The kids at lunch and then they played at the big sprinkler and also the playground there.  Christina made a friend while we were in Houston her name is Jamie and they were best buds by the time we left.  I have more pictures that Heather posted and will put them up, but for now here is a glimpse (notice how Sammy loves to have his picture taken with Christina!!!)

Addison's Cake

I whipped up this cake the other afternoon for Christina's little friend Addison.. I didn't realize her birthday had been the day before so we made her a little cake to show her how much we love her and wished her a happy Birthday.  This cake was small so the whole thing (after baking) took about 30 min... but it turned out pretty cute and she loved it!

Weekend Warriors

So we are working on the house this spring... there are many things we are doing... Planting a garden and finishing up the backyard, getting the house ready for Granny's visit and Christina's birthday party, and just the run of the mill weekend warrior stuff.  

The Garden is coming along... we bought all the peet pots to get the seeds growing, we now have planted 1 apricot tree, a plum tree, and 2 blueberry bushes.  The kids and Edric planted the bushes into planters... he started the pots and they finished... I must say they did a great job!

We bought decorative trees for the front porch of the house, they trees we got from Costco and loved them instantly... they ended up looking great! 

We also went to the JC Penney outlet and got a bench for the entry way so people can take off their shoes with comfort (except Papa Haddow of course).  A nice Ottoman for the guest room so our guests can relax and read a book, or just plain relax after a hectic day with our family.  All in all it was a great weekend and a ton was accomplished.  

Birds

Can I just say that there are birds everywhere in Houston... I don't mean a few here and there I mean everywhere these massive groups of black birds... check out this electric wire (apparently this is nothing compared to an area down the street from Heather.

Houston Part 1

I went to go visit my sister Heather and her family in Houston last week and I had a blast. The root of the trip was to help her organize her upstairs which I think we were pretty successful at! She was switching around all her kids rooms and that can be a daunting task for anyone! After the upstairs was looking good Heather decided it was time for some fun and we went to Galveston! The girls had never really been beach goers so I wasn't sure about how they were going to feel about sand and surf but they had a great time.

This sand Mermaid was there to greet us!

Christina checks out the water

Still not sure....

Run away, Run away!

Aurora in true Carreon style began cleaning up all this "dirt" on the beach...

one handful at a time... except her hands kept getting dirty

Christina telling me about the water 

(notice Aurora in the back still cleaning a handful at a time)

Aurora taking the "lets get the shells out of here first" approach

one handful closer...

Aurora informing Sammy that it is not time to play it is time to clean

Contemplating the vastness of the job before her

Aurora has now given up her clothes and is writing about her battle with the sand!

Christina hanging with the boys (she really missed Duncan)

Aurora tries to make a break for it but Laura stops her

Christina really loved the beach!

She even became comfortable with all the water.

Aurora decides it is time to just give up and become one with the beach.

not sure if she wants this "oneness" recorded

what the heck... I am cute and look at my belly!

A very tired and spend Aurora!

Winter Wonderland

Ok the pictures totally do not do the mess that was made any justice but lets just say there were small pieces of paper EVERYWHERE!!!

Something to brighten your day

Hello Kitty

Christina loves to draw.  Lately Hello Kitty is her muse!  Here are some of her Hello Kitty Drawings.

Sunday Best

Christina and Aurora were excited to show off their dresses the other Sunday.  Christina's was new and Aurora's dress used to be Christina's (I love seeing her in Christina's former clothes because it brings back the greatest memories!)

Strumming away

Duncan got a guitar for his Birthday. We were pretty excited to watch him pick one out. He has already learned a bunch of cords and out friend Michael Carpenter said he would come over and help him on the days that he and Edric trained for the RTO (more about that later).



Duncan also got an iPod Nano from his dad in Kansas. He love that Nano it is really funny to watch his tastes change and move from Legos to more sophisticated things. Duncan's really sweet nature shined through though yesterday when he went to Best Buy to use the gift card that Granny and Papa got him. He went in with Edric while I stayed in the car with the girls. When he came out he was very happy with his Blu Ray Star Wars the Clone Wars movie but I noticed he had another box in his hand. He had a little extra money and got Christina the new Wonder Woman movie ! What a great brother. Christina and Duncan are always thinking of each other like this. They are amazing kids. Duncan is such a good example to his little sisters!

Duncan's cake

Ok so here is Duncan's cake (can you tell who was right on top of me while I was writing the lettering...( thanks Christina!)  I was going to do some more things on it but we wanted it done by the time Duncan got home from school at 2:30.  

Duncan is 13!!!

I can't believe that 13 years ago today I gave birth to such a tiny baby. Duncan was 5lbs 12 oz when he was born. 13 years later he is taller than me and Edric! Duncan is growing into a wonderful young man and I am very proud of him. No he is not perfect but what kid is, I still wish I could figure out the missing assignment dilemmas and the huffing and puffing when a chore is assigned but those are typical from what I have seen. Duncan is a great big brother, he loves his sisters and even when they annoy the heck of of him he still is patient and somewhat tolerant. Duncan loves church and is the Deacon's Quorum Pres in our ward. He takes his calling very seriously (sometimes to a fault) but he is learning at ton.

Every Birthday starts off with Donuts (even though Duncan had already left) Aurora eats her donut obviously thinking of Duncan

What I have done so far on Duncan's cake (I will take pics of the final product)

Duncan before he heads off to school.... A good looking kid.

We Interrupt this Blog for a Moment with Christina

Imaginary Friends.

Recently Christina has been playing with an imaginary friend. I had this conversation with her the other day and felt it was worth repeating.

M= Mom C=Christina

M:  Christina what is your friend's name

C:  John, he is my best friend

M:  Why is his name John?  

C:  Because I like that name

M:  Did you know that was Papa's name...

C:  IT IS????  It is a cool name.

M:  What is John's last name

C:  Haddow

M:  Where did you get that name from?

C:  Hold on I will get the book... she runs upstairs and brings me the Dr. Suess book DO YOU KNOW HOW LUCKY YOU ARE flips through some pages and reaches the page about poor Harry Haddow who had now shadow.  "From this page mom, I really like that name"

M:  Did you know that that is Papa's last name, his name is John Haddow

C:  Well it is an amazing name! I think John would like Papa.

So there you have it... John Haddow comes with us everywhere, to the store, church, school etc.  Christina always makes sure that his seatbelt in the car is buckled and that he always has a snack when she gets one.  John is her best friend.  

It is a total mystery to me how she put these two names together since the only way we refer to my dad is Papa, but it is sweet and wonderful that she did.  

40th Birthday Cake

I made this cake for a Friend's friend who turned 40th this weekend.

Sisters

I think this picture totally describes the relationship that Christina and Aurora have... and here are some extras because I think they are cute.

Playing in the Backyard

Even though the grass is not in and the plants have not been bought the kids love playing on the patio.... well not today but most days. Today the winds are upwards of 35 mph and Aurora would blow away if she went outside. Aurora and her little friend Meadow have a wonderful time together getting dirty and being kids.