tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69193195557634452862024-03-14T07:55:43.120-06:00Ladybugs' Spot
Ideas, Crafts, Decorating, Recipes, Projects and some other good stuffAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-88468706942651406152013-12-24T23:34:00.000-07:002013-12-24T23:34:00.050-07:00On the Night Before Christmas.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christmas Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year!!! We spend it at home, usually wearing matching pajama pants I've sewn up for all of us (this year they were monkeys!) and enjoy a candle-lit dinner of ham and cheesy potatoes. Simple, but yummy. Love the way my centerpiece turned out this year! I wanted to do something different, so we cut some branches off our pine tree and stuck them in a wooden box with these giant candy canes I found at Costco. Also love our very eclectic and colorful set of Christmas dishes. Makes it easy to add a few new plates to mix and match when you don't have a full set. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0p-CpLq8yE/Tvwn8HfVVMI/AAAAAAAAAwY/_BJFsnq5pxg/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0p-CpLq8yE/Tvwn8HfVVMI/AAAAAAAAAwY/_BJFsnq5pxg/s200/IMG_0868.JPG" width="200" /></a>While I'm making the final dinner preparations, Buddy the Elf comes to visit and leaves the kids a little present on the door step. Very exciting! We enjoy our dinner together and the kids exchange their gifts to each other. This year they bought them with their own money and it was sweet to see how thoughtful they were.</div>
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We always read the story of Christ's birth from the Bible. As we get to the part about the wise men, I present each child with a red, green and a gold gift. Myrrh was a cleaning agent and so the corresponding green gift represents something that is needful, which, means my kiddos usually get new underwear or socks. The red gift represents frankincense, which, like a fragrant oil, is something good for their spirit, or soul, and is usually art supplies, music or a good book. The gold gift is something that's just frivolous and fun, such as a little blingy jewelry, perfume, a treat or a fun toy. The kids get so excited about these little gifts, but it also leads to some great discussions about the meaning of Christmas.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7VIGVY-mgQ/Tvwp2okqL2I/AAAAAAAAAwk/SISoScRECcQ/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7VIGVY-mgQ/Tvwp2okqL2I/AAAAAAAAAwk/SISoScRECcQ/s320/IMG_0380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vESmQURK8So/TvwqhTYfR2I/AAAAAAAAAww/fR24ZhTdeNQ/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vESmQURK8So/TvwqhTYfR2I/AAAAAAAAAww/fR24ZhTdeNQ/s200/IMG_0427.JPG" width="200" /></a>When I was a child, my Dad always read us"Twas the Night Before Christmas" before bed, so we always finish our evening with a darling pop-up version he gave us several years ago. The kids leave a note and some cookies for Santa, along with carrots for each of the reindeer, and hopefully settle down for a good night's sleep.....</div>
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-90178753477910243622013-12-22T22:21:00.000-07:002013-12-22T22:21:00.752-07:00Elf NightK, this was one of those things I threw together one year thinking it would be funny, and never imagined it would become one of the kids' favorite traditions. But it did. And they look forward to this every year.....<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV8nUDVQYTY/TvwijwKAA5I/AAAAAAAAAv0/MlRDo-5sQOE/s1600/IMG_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV8nUDVQYTY/TvwijwKAA5I/AAAAAAAAAv0/MlRDo-5sQOE/s200/IMG_0818.JPG" width="200" /></a>We love all of our Christmas movies, but I'm pretty sure Elf is our favorite! So, on Elf night I cook up a big ol' pot of spaghetti, dish it up for the kids and let them top it with m&m's, colored marshmallows, pop tarts, chocolate sauce and, of course..... Syrup!!! <br />
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Yes, it's gross. And gets worse when they mix it up with their hands "Buddy style" and actually eat it!!! <br />
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..... and wash it down with their own mini-bottles of Coke!!! Followed by a belching contest, which, btw, I have never won. It's hilarious and lots of fun! Because "(we) just like smiling! Smiling's our favorite!"<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMiOorwgp8Y/TvwidlqiAeI/AAAAAAAAAvs/2FiRydelMnU/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMiOorwgp8Y/TvwidlqiAeI/AAAAAAAAAvs/2FiRydelMnU/s200/IMG_0813.JPG" width="200" /></a>Of course, they can't eat very much of this stuff before they feel a little sick, so I'm on stand-by to serve them a real spaghetti dinner complete with garlic bread and some of that green salady stuff. <br />
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Then we all watch the movie..... and snuggle!!! </div>
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MY favorite part! =)</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-15199987546344684352013-12-21T07:30:00.000-07:002013-12-21T07:30:01.713-07:00Feeling Cheesy?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVtpFeKdn7A1OmIXEFZ4ro0oMaZn1BrI06kMF61N4rbnQRaczSS4yl1QfscQDvvRU7Op1uE28r80yvsYnqQ2MOiRKXjNl958Eh_zoI1AoFC7mFQ9Yes22VVMQOdYkRr_VTiVhb2BWoDY/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVtpFeKdn7A1OmIXEFZ4ro0oMaZn1BrI06kMF61N4rbnQRaczSS4yl1QfscQDvvRU7Op1uE28r80yvsYnqQ2MOiRKXjNl958Eh_zoI1AoFC7mFQ9Yes22VVMQOdYkRr_VTiVhb2BWoDY/s320/IMG_0336.JPG" width="320" /></a>My kids absolutely love all of the sweet treats and cute things our friends and neighbors drop by this time of year. It's like sugar heaven! Which is why we started this little tradition several years ago..... cheese balls and crackers. Feeling a little too sugared out one year and looking for something non-sweet to make for our friends, I found this recipe in the Lion House Christmas Recipe cookbook and we've been making them ever since.....<br />
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<b>Festive Cheese Ball</b><br />
2 8 oz. packages cream cheese (Tip: buy the Philadelphia stuff and not a generic. Much better result!)<br />
2 cups finely grated sharp cheddar cheese<br />
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (I like to add a little bit more to taste)<br />
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce<br />
1 teaspoon lemon juice<br />
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper<br />
1 cup finely chopped nuts (I use sliced almonds)<br />
Chopped parsley<br />
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Soften cream cheese. Add remaining ingredients except nuts and parsley; mix until well blended. Dividing mixture in half, spoon into two small bowls lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for several hours. Lift out wax paper with cheese mixture from each bowl and mold cheese into ball, using wax paper to protect hands. Roll each ball in chopped nuts and parsley. Refrigerate. Remove about 15 minutes before serving and serve with a variety of crackers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BfaC_Qv6uf1stEzEvqSldYgknsbwcw_IbQTBk3ZaKto6j9qYhsLU8bt_TT21kEXOx_iEf3h5ix0zkqaya76VzEfuutOLm8OY_ZLM6VdT7pfMhAJtzgfff-UT92pOgn3o-G8eM0bRefo/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BfaC_Qv6uf1stEzEvqSldYgknsbwcw_IbQTBk3ZaKto6j9qYhsLU8bt_TT21kEXOx_iEf3h5ix0zkqaya76VzEfuutOLm8OY_ZLM6VdT7pfMhAJtzgfff-UT92pOgn3o-G8eM0bRefo/s400/IMG_1359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We make a lot of these every year, so I usually triple the recipe for each batch and use a giant muffin tin lined with wax paper to portion amounts and chill them in that overnight, or also take them out after filling and place in a glass pan until ready to shape. Once I've rolled them in the nuts and parsley, I wrap them in clear plastic before placing on plates and wrapping in cellophane, of course! =) Some years I've done them on platters with little cheese spreaders, and other times we use cute paper plates. I found some adorable plastic peppermint design plates on clearance at Michael's this year and can't wait to put them together! A seriously yummy recipe that's really easy to make.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVEqEmLowr1M_lBxpk9u_PC8RP_Hsuy8b4lAB1vUOHUVeUFaeQSG-31Ylg9ltvZLB1DGljUZo7dlBeBjDKLmsUb_kScCCKEM7QwwbThxj1L0fsh3XMpFaUeqYGNC-nskzVrI1_BNtPGE/s1600/IMG_4199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVEqEmLowr1M_lBxpk9u_PC8RP_Hsuy8b4lAB1vUOHUVeUFaeQSG-31Ylg9ltvZLB1DGljUZo7dlBeBjDKLmsUb_kScCCKEM7QwwbThxj1L0fsh3XMpFaUeqYGNC-nskzVrI1_BNtPGE/s320/IMG_4199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-3591350513603983712013-12-16T21:16:00.000-07:002013-12-16T21:16:00.224-07:00Cute, Little Neighbor and Teacher Gift Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMcNlhmsQm7PrmY1AWmQ2a-7bb0J9Xzx49kfmIUe0A3MbxMjn1zV2OE_HetT59Zgl0y0F_AYoWjFbJfK1pQBzsDM5fPpqMC_MAiMWofRcUzqz_kJXtUUY22Vo9EgLR2mAXO_nJI_NKfw/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMcNlhmsQm7PrmY1AWmQ2a-7bb0J9Xzx49kfmIUe0A3MbxMjn1zV2OE_HetT59Zgl0y0F_AYoWjFbJfK1pQBzsDM5fPpqMC_MAiMWofRcUzqz_kJXtUUY22Vo9EgLR2mAXO_nJI_NKfw/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="166" /></a>One of my very favorite parts of Christmas is putting together little gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. Love it!!! However, some years I have more time than others and sometimes I get an earlier start on it. We've done all sorts of things..... from big hand-stenciled signs, baskets filled with goodies, hand-made wood boxes filled with treats to bottles of sparkling cider wrapped up in cellophane to wish people a Happy New Year when we've missed Christmas entirely. A few years ago I made these little snowmen..... pretty sure this was a New Year's gift too, but all wrapped up in cellophane with some cute tags and I'm sure they were still well received. Things that can stay up after Christmas are always nice.</div>
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Last year, I was in a huge rush to put something together for all of my kids' teachers and found these darling boxes of hot cocoa at Target. Easy peasy, especially since everything looks better wrapped in cellophane! Mugs with a cocoa mix and a candy cane look great all wrapped up too. Found some really cute boxes of taffy at the grocery store this year. It doesn't need to be fancy. Or difficult. I love to make things when I can, but we also spend lots of time baking and putting together food gifts to run around (Yes. Recipes are coming!) and it makes for a really enjoyable time together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimCfIrtHRJfecVd5erwx1PME_a65wBSPE0nl5oFE0AXmN3fCh5H_zB1mgqkP5zdEl4d7XDwJMxHJ2CN9UxTBZsj92i-LvTqY_D-J7tcq2SvpyhyC3963VxAe916V2s83wu59mWGN9O5w/s1600/IMG_3929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimCfIrtHRJfecVd5erwx1PME_a65wBSPE0nl5oFE0AXmN3fCh5H_zB1mgqkP5zdEl4d7XDwJMxHJ2CN9UxTBZsj92i-LvTqY_D-J7tcq2SvpyhyC3963VxAe916V2s83wu59mWGN9O5w/s320/IMG_3929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2jJgurmfEU8wOKpKz-bPayTXgPsYUZpuVEIIaEvSCgggRWz63l9o17uRgjpGpMBL6-dNBo7vnEPW7CRHYpunwj20sn95puWpT2toYpEKR22lAfzv2j9EA6P7jAP5yP28cYI67HVravY/s1600/IMG_0636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2jJgurmfEU8wOKpKz-bPayTXgPsYUZpuVEIIaEvSCgggRWz63l9o17uRgjpGpMBL6-dNBo7vnEPW7CRHYpunwj20sn95puWpT2toYpEKR22lAfzv2j9EA6P7jAP5yP28cYI67HVravY/s320/IMG_0636.jpg" width="320" /></a>This year I decided to make some simple wood blocks finished with scrapbook paper and vinyl lettering. When you're making a lot of them, they really come together pretty fast.<br />
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And the cellophane is magic!!! =) I know it's probably weird, but the sight of my piles of little gifts all ready to go always makes me happy. Almost as much as delivering them.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlrts6DMKvrE-LwrN2hYZ6HQLE1wuagtwZOcueRz04VzwNy5sdV52anNQF-oLkH2k3IwAoNdBiz6aDRelhDnkPGuu7VyI_FdI9SQeOiRGxc_OD2dVFgE5i2vIJF_W97Vtlkz8Bv22A78/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlrts6DMKvrE-LwrN2hYZ6HQLE1wuagtwZOcueRz04VzwNy5sdV52anNQF-oLkH2k3IwAoNdBiz6aDRelhDnkPGuu7VyI_FdI9SQeOiRGxc_OD2dVFgE5i2vIJF_W97Vtlkz8Bv22A78/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-71432477384110827332013-12-07T22:48:00.000-07:002013-12-07T22:48:00.445-07:00Decorating Makeovers: Something Pretty for Our Table and a Blingy Banister <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNpechuaqNIyxQ0ll-QvSdmttN_DX2DhWWSkegcotiRpWYGuYJgOr-bBbpY14LrhUkWJGula11PQBbv9J2oBOrHdHv7H3klqjW8FCP9Ld2Eq-Fz2HqkvD834DdMPLmHLXdhKI7QU7egI/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNpechuaqNIyxQ0ll-QvSdmttN_DX2DhWWSkegcotiRpWYGuYJgOr-bBbpY14LrhUkWJGula11PQBbv9J2oBOrHdHv7H3klqjW8FCP9Ld2Eq-Fz2HqkvD834DdMPLmHLXdhKI7QU7egI/s320/IMG_3880.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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So, I've had this centerpiece for several years, and it shows. Lots! But not wanting to just throw it out and hoping I could breathe some new life into it..... I added some extra pieces of greenery, berries and pinecones I had on hand with a little twisting and some green floral wire. (Btw, a great way to come up with extra pieces of greenery is to cut apart a long garland. You can always buy a basic pine garland for very little money and I incorporate little bits of them everywhere.) Wanting to add a little sparkle and since ornaments are my new favorite thing to decorate with..... I hooked some into the garland with ornament hangers. Bought some new candles, and voila!!! </div>
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Something pretty for our table again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xx7SCNEVVBVxPC6YHuN6dN5-foOHQDmAl9PHPCZNCwMWwWJoiSSsAMTFY0-YbvOpWT0kfCfN7ZdYOknFKroGxCiwmvPr1jy3xTq77wacAti0fWTdfUK3SUs2kROb8l4lHgSSK7avTK4/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xx7SCNEVVBVxPC6YHuN6dN5-foOHQDmAl9PHPCZNCwMWwWJoiSSsAMTFY0-YbvOpWT0kfCfN7ZdYOknFKroGxCiwmvPr1jy3xTq77wacAti0fWTdfUK3SUs2kROb8l4lHgSSK7avTK4/s400/IMG_3903.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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My next challenge was our banister. K, this banister is in serious need of refinishing, so much so that I was tempted to hurry and crank that project out before decorating. But I didn't. Seems like a great January project, right? Anyway, I love white lights! And that's what I use everywhere. That is until my Dad decided to pass along some extra crazy blinking colorful lights that my kids absolutely fell in love with. And wanted me to put up somewhere. So, they landed on this banister and two years ago when they failed, I was even suckered into replacing them. For the children. =) Total proof of my love, cuz they're really not my favorite and when my daughter strung them over our wimpy garland this year, I knew I had to do something.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLatCkWaBaAHBgntZgtOLSrHb5HkXlEoiuHsoVS5NvGNUQiYpfungtXc6YedD4pbKHxrcf9gZOXR9loHR9v81RUvOEkXOdHkZ4XWUXkpiKyk9KIJNJU-1UxEv6Yb9JQTiElnYHaj7hSDY/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLatCkWaBaAHBgntZgtOLSrHb5HkXlEoiuHsoVS5NvGNUQiYpfungtXc6YedD4pbKHxrcf9gZOXR9loHR9v81RUvOEkXOdHkZ4XWUXkpiKyk9KIJNJU-1UxEv6Yb9JQTiElnYHaj7hSDY/s320/IMG_0463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So..... I bought another cheap garland and thickened it up a bit. Found some beautiful red ribbon at Hobby Lobby and a whole bunch of sparkly picks. I figured if this was going to be a colorful banister, it might as well be blingy too! But even after adding all of that, it still looked empty and blah..... </div>
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Until......</div>
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I added some ornaments!!! Seriously, they are magic. And now I actually really like our colorful blingy banister and my girls are completely delighted. Of course, the boy still keeps changing the light setting to the super fast blinky phase just to annoy me, but whatever!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmEf4wTqqgZtu9NdVmTGxMOrLp3ezvhvmXQimeR96eOaGnUdGSUsl2MHmTWz-N9q4zLIclvET010UoFOMhVtgq4Uckqqu1E0v1DMuH-0ztcpQ7Qe9Ni_FFYkCEk3EhsUpnTXn7LBVZ5A/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmEf4wTqqgZtu9NdVmTGxMOrLp3ezvhvmXQimeR96eOaGnUdGSUsl2MHmTWz-N9q4zLIclvET010UoFOMhVtgq4Uckqqu1E0v1DMuH-0ztcpQ7Qe9Ni_FFYkCEk3EhsUpnTXn7LBVZ5A/s320/IMG_0579.JPG" width="193" /></a><br />
I placed my little wood sign on a wreath hanger next to the banister and filled an old wooden box with some extra ornaments. I really love the contrast of my rustic style with their sparkle. Which is sooo fitting because the new Christmas book I bought this year is "You Are My Miracle" by MaryAnn Cusimano Love. The story is about a parent with their child commenting on how they compliment one another. "I am your old stories: You are my make-believe." And "I am your don't peek; you are my wide eyes." Just to mention two. It's a very sweet story, and yes, I did get a little teary over it at the book store. And maybe again when I read it to my kids the first time. <br />
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I love my kids sooo much and am so grateful for all of the sparkle, fun and joy they bring into my life. Even if it means colorful flashing lights sometimes! =) Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-91798035877058811472013-12-06T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-06T10:31:33.844-07:00Kiwi Lane Designs Blog Hop<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to Ladybugs's Spot!!! </span></b></div>
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Sooo excited to be participating in the <a href="http://www.kiwilane.com/blog">Kiwi Lane Designs</a> Blog hop! Read all the way through to find out how to enter to win their $25 giveaway and a BONUS favorite woodcraft original from my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ladybugsspot">Etsy Shop!!! </a><br />
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This is my first time working with Kiwi Lane's <a href="http://www.kiwilane.com/blog">designer templates</a>, and I loved it! I received the Christmas set to create with. Perfect!!! </div>
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Here's what I came up with......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWakEkXz-fMxyrmlFd0QKC_RhRntTt1LmJ8VlT1YEnOIXIfgB2H62Xz2v2SZGFaAHd0w_OHsrNqmz7COtSHI3UQilZhKSMwerZfYfDm74gh-5b9hWSL8SXHGX23ogxDGM3avFGKiJlKw/s1600/IMG_5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWakEkXz-fMxyrmlFd0QKC_RhRntTt1LmJ8VlT1YEnOIXIfgB2H62Xz2v2SZGFaAHd0w_OHsrNqmz7COtSHI3UQilZhKSMwerZfYfDm74gh-5b9hWSL8SXHGX23ogxDGM3avFGKiJlKw/s320/IMG_5612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Poinsettia template totally grabbed my attention first, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I traced the template onto five different dark red papers, making three of each. Next, I cut an "X" style slit in the middle of each flower then folded each of the petals in half to give it some dimension.</div>
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Staggering the three papers for each flower together, I layered them under one of these cute, little gold ornaments inserted through the slits in the papers. Next, I stuck in a small spray from my craft store berry picks and added some floral stem wire to the back to hold it all together. Once the wire was secure, I wrapped and shaped the berries around the ornament part.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the back with wire stem.</td></tr>
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I repeated this same process for all five flowers, then arranged them in a tall skinny vase. Wanted to incorporate another texture and some green, so I filled the vase with a garland clipping. This provided some great stability for my wire stems, which were super easy to bend and arrange exactly as I wanted them to go. I used another template to cut some bright, corrugated, green leaves, tucked them in and tied some burlap around the vase with twine. Absolutely love the way it looks!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKO4ZK9fqSLnHtV7o3VLMDqBl8qbk8db4FtENYhYq8QmKWlki7Nyh9Uov7bh2x66Q0PJWtcCHiwswegUkMWvHFvBrCS5CWJX-9o1Ra4C3VhBVCA_hfGSgKVOOwcGpfjV-DQQ99Na_Jzg/s1600/IMG_6307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKO4ZK9fqSLnHtV7o3VLMDqBl8qbk8db4FtENYhYq8QmKWlki7Nyh9Uov7bh2x66Q0PJWtcCHiwswegUkMWvHFvBrCS5CWJX-9o1Ra4C3VhBVCA_hfGSgKVOOwcGpfjV-DQQ99Na_Jzg/s200/IMG_6307.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These flowers also look great tucked into garlands or wreaths!<br />
Or on packages too!</td></tr>
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Loved those bright green leaves so much I thought they would make for a very elegant wrapping on a special gift. Gold paper, burlap, some red ribbon..... glued on my leaves, three pieces of curled copper jewelry wire and my favorite glittered glass gems. Beautiful!!!<br />
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You make the glitter berries by brushing mod podge onto the back them sprinkling with glitter. Brushing on your adhesive allows for great control over where your sparkles will go. Simply shake off the excess and finish with a light spray of a high gloss varnish to seal it all in. I've been using these on all kinds of projects lately and they always look fantastic!<br />
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The leaf and berry combination would also make darling cards! You can even incorporate craft pick berries in place of the jewels with the leaves like we've done in our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/171788400/hand-crafted-christmas-wood-joy-letters?">Christmas Joy Letters!</a></div>
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As a wood designer, I had to make some of these darling ornaments! The large size template in the set would be perfect for some big, chunky ornaments, but I really loved the idea of creating re-usable gift tags! Using the smaller template I cut out some on 1/8" plywood with my bandsaw. So quick and easy!</div>
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Sanded down any rough edges, drilled a small hole and sprayed the back side with chalkboard paint. Took two coats. Then I painted the front and sides with bright colors and covered them with glitter using the same technique as the glass stones. Tied some silver cording through the hole and now I have lots of happy, blingy tags to tie onto Christmas presents! The chalkboard backing makes them totally re-usable and adds such a cute finishing touch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_tex6Bkrcn_H6J36ZzDVnYGcp5wmrtw2Cee2vZLr3IVS0JOblbESbdAhqpU23m9HNHU2TwIyI7m1Xd4FqFj8s7RYl6Nct4HLzwn7otssUBg5GeAWo19GQmLeJo7egUABebJIUgnnXsg/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_tex6Bkrcn_H6J36ZzDVnYGcp5wmrtw2Cee2vZLr3IVS0JOblbESbdAhqpU23m9HNHU2TwIyI7m1Xd4FqFj8s7RYl6Nct4HLzwn7otssUBg5GeAWo19GQmLeJo7egUABebJIUgnnXsg/s320/IMG_5679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Seriously loved working with these designer templates and will definitely look for more from <a href="http://www.kiwilane.com/blog">Kiwi Lane!</a><br />
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So, here's how this blog hop works..... Visit each of the blogs listed below and leave a comment on each one as you go along. You receive one entry per comment and a random winner from one of the blogs will receive a $25 gift certificate to Kiwi Lane Designs! Awesome!!! <br />
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* <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">WIN</span> </span></b>your favorite item from our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ladybugsspot">Etsy Shop</a> too!!! Leave an additional comment on this post about your favorite item from<b> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ladybugsspot">Ladybugs' Spot</a> </b>to be entered to win it! Shipping included. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Bonus</span> entry if you also become a follower of our blog! That's a Win Win for sure! :)<br />
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This contest will run though 11:59 PM MST on Sunday, December 8th.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>Here's the blog line up.....</b></span><br />
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">Kiwi Lane - <a href="http://www.kiwilane.com/blog">Kiwi Lane Designs</a></span></span></em></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://mequilter.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b8f90; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mary Hartmann—Bowden - Me Quilter</a></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.typicalscrapbboker.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b8f90; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Janie McKissick - Typical Scrapbooker Crafts</a></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://carrieshappyscrappin.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b8f90; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Carrie Bryant - Happy Scrappin’</a></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://ladybugsspotblog.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Amy Berrett - Ladybugs’ Spot</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">*You are here!* </span></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://fortheloveofscrap.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b8f90; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cassandra Henson - For the Love of Scrap</a></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://carriedawaywithcrafting.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b8f90; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Carrie McDaniel - Carried Away with Crafting</a></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://onescrappysoul.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b8f90; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Apryl Holland - One Scrappy Soul</a></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://oursliceofcheese.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b8f90; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Erin Colby - Our Slice of Cheese</a></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://theimperfectscrapper.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b8f90; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brenda Smith - The Imperfect Scrapp</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://theimperfectscrapper.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">e</a>r</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Have fun and good luck!!! </b></span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-11689756731837628422013-12-04T22:06:00.000-07:002013-12-04T22:06:00.112-07:00Snooper. And some Elfing Fun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVe6cm-5b-PvQ4q2ra9Ts1-x_0LBo55TzL1QqBTx5NzXH7RP5miEbP9T1Gv_oKd2VNvvnz_C3uo2906yi5hYPue2lAqwZyq5UcrY3Mn0FSEIpUzoPkETO6ERlKZa5YF5DbgH8WGpVKgY/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVe6cm-5b-PvQ4q2ra9Ts1-x_0LBo55TzL1QqBTx5NzXH7RP5miEbP9T1Gv_oKd2VNvvnz_C3uo2906yi5hYPue2lAqwZyq5UcrY3Mn0FSEIpUzoPkETO6ERlKZa5YF5DbgH8WGpVKgY/s320/IMG_0544.JPG" width="282" /></a>We have a magic, little elf that visits our home randomly during the month of December...... "Snooper." Little kids leave their shoes outside of their rooms at night, and if he happens to come and their room is clean, he will leave a little treat or small gift inside their shoes. He makes several stops each year, so there's always a reason to pick up your dirty clothes and make your bed! Amazing how motivated the kiddos are to keep things clean in the hopes of finding a little Sponge Bob or whatever else he may bring..... Magic!!! =)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8YCEv54UEz4qWlC83PnczuZroUvQZvLe4XIaIA9LtMcYSglwGevzrTQ4ohx9XJ0unRNBTHVg9ZhkPPzZ5mZrxT89ej9wvw7wVu9QlIxcC9msHoJuH_4yss8w5Ol1igk6d5kKZKLk0Yk/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8YCEv54UEz4qWlC83PnczuZroUvQZvLe4XIaIA9LtMcYSglwGevzrTQ4ohx9XJ0unRNBTHVg9ZhkPPzZ5mZrxT89ej9wvw7wVu9QlIxcC9msHoJuH_4yss8w5Ol1igk6d5kKZKLk0Yk/s320/IMG_3909.JPG" width="146" /></a>My girls have had so much fun with this tradition the last few years, they even started their own version..... </span>Each year, they select several random people they want to leave a little surprise for. Love to see their thoughtfulness and reasons behind their picks. Very sweet! They<span class="Apple-style-span"> make cute, little tags from a mysterious elf and attach them to a simple gift or treat. Then they dress up in elf costumes, including these duct tape shoes, because any proper elf wears goofy shoes, right? My job is to run them around as they leave their gifts on the doorstep, ring and RUN!!! My giggly girls may not be the sneakiest elves around, but I love seeing them think about others and get excited for a little random act of kindness..... Good stuff! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXQyOBXk7aUrANIkr_RFgu9-PYtvzZKneyVY2BjPxRj3JRqrmhOYas6R_LsXGmjfUgAn03V9d2csK_u6yW1dOCYdqjF-1ftAN1rN9duYoEp9u5b_7rmzGl2NibFfdEibvCGToS3om99A/s1600/IMG_3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXQyOBXk7aUrANIkr_RFgu9-PYtvzZKneyVY2BjPxRj3JRqrmhOYas6R_LsXGmjfUgAn03V9d2csK_u6yW1dOCYdqjF-1ftAN1rN9duYoEp9u5b_7rmzGl2NibFfdEibvCGToS3om99A/s400/IMG_3912.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-54385636365118669532013-12-01T15:55:00.000-07:002013-12-02T13:49:58.652-07:00Counting the days.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokb4xsR0yxkGR7OkJjhT8pQU3SHgedEP-2k-XwSyivEM2qym_1-4zJpVSrU11UngbH8FCZolRIj5meZoS_xE8eJy40rInMwAFM7w0sxvYnxOydyCvgBRyqNpSNP30bLkJ8h9pS9o9lv0/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokb4xsR0yxkGR7OkJjhT8pQU3SHgedEP-2k-XwSyivEM2qym_1-4zJpVSrU11UngbH8FCZolRIj5meZoS_xE8eJy40rInMwAFM7w0sxvYnxOydyCvgBRyqNpSNP30bLkJ8h9pS9o9lv0/s200/IMG_0783.JPG" width="128" /></a>How many days 'til Christmas? <br />
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Isn't that what every kid wants to know right now? Well, at our home, we have several advent calendars we use to keep track of that very important detail.....<br />
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I made my first advent tree with a college friend several years ago. (K, maybe just a little bit more than several, but whatever!) We found these wood kits at a local craft store and had a great time painting them up. Funny how things become so sentimental, and even as styles and tastes change, you still love them for the memories they contain. That's how I feel about this little tree. My kiddos take turns filling it with ornaments and can hardly wait to reach the star on top.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic1DjVUR9FM3ytqSQNubkCDZOqsbK77ejk1I-c6r8Xj0CsL6eUejkibA2luC_oP2c9iEl0p343w-kfnYBJ2sfPra38xIOtEkmbtQU-iViuDKuK4yKvxuGI2aNrqpWmOT-eV1nQtynDbs/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic1DjVUR9FM3ytqSQNubkCDZOqsbK77ejk1I-c6r8Xj0CsL6eUejkibA2luC_oP2c9iEl0p343w-kfnYBJ2sfPra38xIOtEkmbtQU-iViuDKuK4yKvxuGI2aNrqpWmOT-eV1nQtynDbs/s400/IMG_3890.JPG" width="295" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-O0XW_HgfK1MNO0Yi1g5wWC-Ske7E85Yo3m6TreSiqTNAj1GH6TkmOSnnvg0VbcG8mhCyyplY7oA-JFSGXPQNNhkfo1BHQVLcL1BTYynGG6e3o-zMguKVTVg2Bc4vKVNCP3MSn9Of3rY/s1600/IMG_2270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-O0XW_HgfK1MNO0Yi1g5wWC-Ske7E85Yo3m6TreSiqTNAj1GH6TkmOSnnvg0VbcG8mhCyyplY7oA-JFSGXPQNNhkfo1BHQVLcL1BTYynGG6e3o-zMguKVTVg2Bc4vKVNCP3MSn9Of3rY/s200/IMG_2270.JPG" width="164" /></a>Our quilted advent wallhanging is definitely a favorite. I spent *forever* making this thing when my girls were tiny, remember my oldest playing in the piles of fabric scraps as I worked and look forward to getting it out every year. An ornament goes on a button each day. Love it!!!<br />
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Of course, we also enjoy eating our chocolate calendars as we bide the time. Have a fun metal one sitting by our fireplace and this year my oldest even added an app to her ipod that lets us know the exact number of days, hours, minute and seconds until the most exciting day arrives. But I gotta say.... knowing those details sorta stresses me out because I always want more time to prepare and enjoy this season......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVrqJipU5pI9Zm-OWEfZNwUrYQI0b3qR7q_wT_Xa1lGW-f9OlX5sOhCgl6PXqgdoXG356IpuhgjSDXJEAM7MkxMnu59go7nFK1ye_hm7YMPkcR1Gh4k7kbFbagqVeQawJq1gQdpR8QWg/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVrqJipU5pI9Zm-OWEfZNwUrYQI0b3qR7q_wT_Xa1lGW-f9OlX5sOhCgl6PXqgdoXG356IpuhgjSDXJEAM7MkxMnu59go7nFK1ye_hm7YMPkcR1Gh4k7kbFbagqVeQawJq1gQdpR8QWg/s400/IMG_0477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Which leads me to our favorite countdown..... this bin filled with children's Christmas story books!!! Pure magic. Each year, I wrap them up and tie on a cute, little numbered tag. (I found these at a craft store and used vinyl lettering for the numbers.) We begin on December 1st and read one book each night, finishing with our special favorites on Christmas Eve. The first book is always a new story, and after that it's just fun to see what comes next. It's a great way to anticipate Christmas, but more than that, I love the way it makes us sit down together at the end of our often hectic days, snuggle up by the tree and read..... Best part of the days leading up to Christmas! And I think it makes the time for anxious children go by just a little bit faster.....<br />
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What are your family favorites?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-48352255497872438732013-11-29T19:08:00.000-07:002013-12-02T13:51:47.482-07:00Decking our Halls!!!Lots of people think Thanksgiving should be enjoyed before even thinking about decorating for Christmas. I am not one of them!!! As soon as the Halloween stuff is packed away, I'm ready to get to work and my cute, wood Turkeys are usually packed away before their day even arrives. Perhaps having approximately twenty totes and a dozen or so trees to decorate affects this decision, because it does take a lot of time. Here's a little glimpse inside.....<br />
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Our living room is always the first to be done, likely because this process involves a fair amount of chaos and it's nice to have a place for people to actually sit. Or at least stand! ;-) Love the framed "Believe" sign I designed when I first started teaching classes and think it's the perfect compliment to our nativity scene and big star.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh9f8mkoGFgkWXTDPFJKUvOQ99w0RueVAH4fDveqtAiNhPpcvL2Z9cPWTKSDX0YFo34bgedjHTf_nm-LNvQZzKTfmD18jmnq72DaXQiVuTkwZ7xi-yqlpBHBBLiRJs17Q5IFSp4TYFc4/s1600/IMG_0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh9f8mkoGFgkWXTDPFJKUvOQ99w0RueVAH4fDveqtAiNhPpcvL2Z9cPWTKSDX0YFo34bgedjHTf_nm-LNvQZzKTfmD18jmnq72DaXQiVuTkwZ7xi-yqlpBHBBLiRJs17Q5IFSp4TYFc4/s320/IMG_0493.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
Three alpine trees fill the corner, all of them decorated with white lights and these darling red basket weave balls I'd love to find some more of! The largest tree features snowmen and snowflakes, the middle one is all angels and stars and the smallest is primarily santas and elves. What's so fun is over the years friends' have given me ornaments for each of these themed trees and every year as I decorate they make me smile. =) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Lce8dYGOT50WW_ylo7EEb9Ves33JbDKf5wbJWLdJCicc78p9ShuIR-vvY_AZqriCSChgldJHarxQaSGAO9EDIan9YFhujcKch4VIfcAEz8eEXGt-J3rJyFY9sRMLQIvyE5pR0_xSX3U/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Lce8dYGOT50WW_ylo7EEb9Ves33JbDKf5wbJWLdJCicc78p9ShuIR-vvY_AZqriCSChgldJHarxQaSGAO9EDIan9YFhujcKch4VIfcAEz8eEXGt-J3rJyFY9sRMLQIvyE5pR0_xSX3U/s400/IMG_4698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCj5nPaPkl2itG_UBfbX0Ktn7In_lSWxSCrwPAFaOQtWQKnG2vdmMeqEZ1U9se92SNPqj08Cc-fNC0ZTMSe5DIomWanHqg_aQZUOIfu5fzDRW6qMOc2tEDlnqRCEaOjJTnpDip9a-L08/s1600/IMG_0473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCj5nPaPkl2itG_UBfbX0Ktn7In_lSWxSCrwPAFaOQtWQKnG2vdmMeqEZ1U9se92SNPqj08Cc-fNC0ZTMSe5DIomWanHqg_aQZUOIfu5fzDRW6qMOc2tEDlnqRCEaOjJTnpDip9a-L08/s320/IMG_0473.jpg" width="143" /></a>We place our big family tree next to the fire place and spend a lot of time snuggled up here together reading, watching movies and just hanging out. This tree is decorated with plaid ribbon, mini rusty bells and some large rusty jingle bells, in addition to our special family ornaments. Each year, each child receives an ornament that represents something special to them from the year and we also add one of family significance. Combined with lots of cute homemade ones from the kids, this tree is really eclectic and fun to look at! This time, much to the boy's delight, we placed his electric train underneath and he thinks that's the greatest thing I've ever done! =) Love finding him just sitting by the tree, playing with his train.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhYrREg5J0Oj2xNNVtD90IfV8oL2hZI0Z8ZXgYPoqOHX6-a9R53zErn_hyphenhyphenhgo7bqheT56u1PVvey2V0mOoAwlYAxQeaNQfZghmGl_2XuUMr1Gu2Iz56ePSLWPz9w2cQHSXbUuSToc6FU/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhYrREg5J0Oj2xNNVtD90IfV8oL2hZI0Z8ZXgYPoqOHX6-a9R53zErn_hyphenhyphenhgo7bqheT56u1PVvey2V0mOoAwlYAxQeaNQfZghmGl_2XuUMr1Gu2Iz56ePSLWPz9w2cQHSXbUuSToc6FU/s400/IMG_0523.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also spruced up our mantle, taking our old, saggy garland and filling it in with some pine boughs, red berries, pine cones and mini ornaments. </div>
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Love the way it turned out!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ovXjA5V9q133IEFEhqr-fuoCNzjC7AcY3Kh50RHadJNyzXwzwwR7CmV8l-IHJAZh8dK3L_w_BEhRD8GKBUuJsObtJFkrx8X0s5p5S_PAfboCf3DiCZWNmMgAaWEthMczkxB6GCPWopQ/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ovXjA5V9q133IEFEhqr-fuoCNzjC7AcY3Kh50RHadJNyzXwzwwR7CmV8l-IHJAZh8dK3L_w_BEhRD8GKBUuJsObtJFkrx8X0s5p5S_PAfboCf3DiCZWNmMgAaWEthMczkxB6GCPWopQ/s400/IMG_0526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOg3LQGm3AY5uNkURUc2aWUoQtYsYm8md7r53JVFLVmAmDCp3vdUHMc2a1gR9e3NPIehUOJDBES9UEyve1K7sBM_zU98AyRxYjWogGwrkPWQAcHCRo57Bk_spaa-guEt8srX92kwyiuY/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOg3LQGm3AY5uNkURUc2aWUoQtYsYm8md7r53JVFLVmAmDCp3vdUHMc2a1gR9e3NPIehUOJDBES9UEyve1K7sBM_zU98AyRxYjWogGwrkPWQAcHCRo57Bk_spaa-guEt8srX92kwyiuY/s320/IMG_4707.JPG" width="97" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOg3LQGm3AY5uNkURUc2aWUoQtYsYm8md7r53JVFLVmAmDCp3vdUHMc2a1gR9e3NPIehUOJDBES9UEyve1K7sBM_zU98AyRxYjWogGwrkPWQAcHCRo57Bk_spaa-guEt8srX92kwyiuY/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">I totally have a thing for lanterns!!! Love the symbolism of a light in darkness and just think they're cool. So, I have a LOT of them! Here, I've gathered several together on top of our entertainment center with some garland and other random stuff. This display is a little bit different each year, and I really like it this time. The "Believe" sign is five feet tall and rests on the side with another little tree.</span></a></div>
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Here's a close up of the big jingle bell up top . Adding in random ornaments is my new favorite way to incorporate a little color and bling, and they are all over my home.....</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHo5MD_h-lCmHSrqpFgVPThIHFe3paTC8o7SIDkaZ4e-7wGWf4Oh9fLsUwwi06T2vTcJpNRblMZSQ0ciQwN9iiRi1EE7jVbaUQ8vfW2tyfrk1U8qJ-6lL42RrueV9zAyh2HLkm6O-9q4/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHo5MD_h-lCmHSrqpFgVPThIHFe3paTC8o7SIDkaZ4e-7wGWf4Oh9fLsUwwi06T2vTcJpNRblMZSQ0ciQwN9iiRi1EE7jVbaUQ8vfW2tyfrk1U8qJ-6lL42RrueV9zAyh2HLkm6O-9q4/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzMF83YsAYN4HAGd6_Jol-FF9AqmEosaL3dPSzzLwrgU_pf7oQ4Tx_r-7GZQWNXox08ckuYNloqY-E5JkIfWf2vxQegiyzqOlv_GN5_xIkOCNCFrpMzOmkPcJc2cmtXBGXo92vAHP3zs/s1600/IMG_4224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzMF83YsAYN4HAGd6_Jol-FF9AqmEosaL3dPSzzLwrgU_pf7oQ4Tx_r-7GZQWNXox08ckuYNloqY-E5JkIfWf2vxQegiyzqOlv_GN5_xIkOCNCFrpMzOmkPcJc2cmtXBGXo92vAHP3zs/s320/IMG_4224.JPG" width="222" /></a><br />
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.....including filling some of my lanterns! I found this lantern at IKEA for only a few dollars, and Walmart always has great unbreakable ornaments that make a perfect filler. Gotta love a beautiful decoration for very little expense!</div>
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By the time I get to my kitchen, I'm usually left with a rather odd assortment of decorations I never know quite what to do with. I have great plans of making a quilted wallhanging to go above this shelf, but, alas, it didn't happen again this year! ;-) Whenever I'm trying to arrange a grouping, I start with a focal point. Here, it was the tree picture, and my wood Santa with the tree seemed to go well with it. Then I balance out colors, textures, etc. so there's a little variety and visual interest. For a shelf I usually end up not liking very much, I was pleased with the changes this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JIRRUD0fXaFzy93tpXXazu2Tp1oDWhya5Pon7HPvIXGhAd2hrgg3M65jIZoPSFaZcZXBOS-Sot5FMe7iMSZl24QVoqBoSQsRE1Fqgt98KiGMebvQouLdYjPcHJIf_X2EgCMc8tCQN5s/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JIRRUD0fXaFzy93tpXXazu2Tp1oDWhya5Pon7HPvIXGhAd2hrgg3M65jIZoPSFaZcZXBOS-Sot5FMe7iMSZl24QVoqBoSQsRE1Fqgt98KiGMebvQouLdYjPcHJIf_X2EgCMc8tCQN5s/s320/IMG_0451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And, finally, my very favorite new thing.....<br />
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We remodeled our kitchen this year, something that was desperately needed, which I will post about after the holidays. I sooo LOVE my new black hood. And I didn't think I could possibly love it any more..... until I spruced it up for Christmas! It makes me soooo happy to walk in and see this every morning! Sheesh, I simply adore our home at Christmastime. Everything feels so warm and cozy. =)<br />
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And there you have it. A little mini tour of some of our favorites. Yes! We are spazzy about Christmas. Hopefully it gives you some new ideas. Or at least an understanding of why we get started so early!!!<br />
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What are some of your favorite displays and/or decorations?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-91355418900987333552013-11-23T21:18:00.000-07:002013-12-02T13:40:00.081-07:00Gingersnap Cookie PieThe other thing I always make for Thanksgiving is pie. Since all the traditional favorites are usually covered, I like to try something new each year. Thus this creation.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5cK5DHIzB7zY3M_yr6e5hjXG5fBxHJZ9i8HvGbRyuNn6VHj5MPcKMx0xRp28nPXPRmkXGZFzw-eLGlEZF5q_RSe87MuyM-ObRH21IkYB2_E6t1wjJPgHuDXeTEbCDF6oX_72invcv3Q/s1600/IMG_9776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5cK5DHIzB7zY3M_yr6e5hjXG5fBxHJZ9i8HvGbRyuNn6VHj5MPcKMx0xRp28nPXPRmkXGZFzw-eLGlEZF5q_RSe87MuyM-ObRH21IkYB2_E6t1wjJPgHuDXeTEbCDF6oX_72invcv3Q/s320/IMG_9776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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a gingersnap cookie crust with vanilla bean ice cream </div>
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topped with caramel sauce and chopped almonds.</div>
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Every bit as delicious as it sounds!!!</div>
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Now, these cookies are sensational on their own and definitely a favorite. So try the Gingersnaps......</div>
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2 cups sugar</div>
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1 1/2 cups butter</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1/2 cup molasses</div>
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4 cups flour</div>
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1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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4 tsp. baking soda</div>
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2 tsp. cinnamon</div>
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2 tsp. ground cloves</div>
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2 tsp. ginger</div>
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Cream butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients. Rolls balls of dough in sugar. Place on cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes.</div>
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.....And to make the pie simply press some cookie dough into a greased round cake or pie pan and bake. Let cool, then fill pan with softened ice cream. Freeze. Top with caramel and almonds.</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving!!!</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-46426039990769235112013-11-21T23:41:00.000-07:002013-12-02T13:40:24.956-07:00Easy Peasy Homemade RollsGotta love it when you're in charge of the rolls for Thanksgiving dinner! For some reason, this became my assigned contribution years ago, and now it's something everyone looks forward to and asks for every year. Yes. They're that good. And very simple to make, even if you're a newbie!<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1/2 cup warm water<br />
2 packets yeast ( I swear by the generic stuff!)<br />
1 tsp. sugar<br />
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2 cups warm water<br />
1/2 cup melted butter<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
2 tsp. salt<br />
2 beaten eggs<br />
6 cups flour<br />
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Instructions:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjwmOvds4J2Vl1RJIca4rWKCAFhI-vzQP69YWLxmOD0Gni13n1pSkMUU8bE3dmRfJX-Ua9q6LIUE93lH6mWdlyhqfGNcwZ1sbGcVNpZCwZoyh4TnHZd9oKC8lUoJwyXc2L9_xcAG61g0/s1600/IMG_8782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjwmOvds4J2Vl1RJIca4rWKCAFhI-vzQP69YWLxmOD0Gni13n1pSkMUU8bE3dmRfJX-Ua9q6LIUE93lH6mWdlyhqfGNcwZ1sbGcVNpZCwZoyh4TnHZd9oKC8lUoJwyXc2L9_xcAG61g0/s200/IMG_8782.JPG" width="200" /></a>In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup warm water. (I turn my faucet as hot as it will go, but my temperature maxes out at the safety level for little kids. Whatever that is. Water should feel hot, but not burn.) Open yeast packets and shake on top of water, but do not stir. Shake 1 tsp. sugar on top of yeast, again not stirring. Let sit until proofed. (about 10-15 minutes until mixture looks something like this.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs898PdMdB312tXplW3-6lEAZUwgSY3sf4PEE9xsj4ibPhyphenhyphenTQ6dfOx2vNWWbBQYIe_QPk66TCMHPU5Qm-K_aiKk2Y-armazOWptLFvXXPa-FPA8vljhlUG8oax40Cm-z0udx2D4HA-91E/s1600/IMG_8787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs898PdMdB312tXplW3-6lEAZUwgSY3sf4PEE9xsj4ibPhyphenhyphenTQ6dfOx2vNWWbBQYIe_QPk66TCMHPU5Qm-K_aiKk2Y-armazOWptLFvXXPa-FPA8vljhlUG8oax40Cm-z0udx2D4HA-91E/s320/IMG_8787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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While you're waiting for the yeast to get all bubbly..... in a large bowl combine 2 cups warm water, melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, salt and the beaten eggs. Add the yeast mixture as soon as it's done and stir.<br />
Then add four cups of flour and mix. I do all of this with a fork, and it works really well! So, don't let lack of a mixer be an excuse not to make these. ;-) Let the dough mixture stand for 30 minutes and it will look something like this.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgRk1ovn0MKYNWxT5djgitrK67AB1QPvcWvlNNwOkjknuY9Km20QtYkXSTEKadMC0tzPS4lGLkJtEub2HQe0DZVlhmLchKm1CJichrOpmxbLwhv_3HSUvuwfuUSHcfK-roH0xLzrmO3c/s1600/IMG_8788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgRk1ovn0MKYNWxT5djgitrK67AB1QPvcWvlNNwOkjknuY9Km20QtYkXSTEKadMC0tzPS4lGLkJtEub2HQe0DZVlhmLchKm1CJichrOpmxbLwhv_3HSUvuwfuUSHcfK-roH0xLzrmO3c/s200/IMG_8788.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoa0jddvoCTG3TVCisA_JpSa93BfceBK65zZE600kPZsvCb6OrAVwwHiNcPUY0rGfi6Wgt8nsGz6CLppuOgBaANA3AreYvaAac3__1wv6daKclOTwmR19cbnIMurbMw9hLXacW9Se0dU/s1600/IMG_9695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoa0jddvoCTG3TVCisA_JpSa93BfceBK65zZE600kPZsvCb6OrAVwwHiNcPUY0rGfi6Wgt8nsGz6CLppuOgBaANA3AreYvaAac3__1wv6daKclOTwmR19cbnIMurbMw9hLXacW9Se0dU/s320/IMG_9695.JPG" width="320" /></a>Add two more cups of flour and mix well. Refrigerate overnight. Flour your hands and roll small balls of dough out like a snake. Kids LOVE to help with this part! Then I tie the dough in a knot. Literally. Tucking one end into the middle on top and one end on the bottom like this.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNytjCG2TV9uvpyAlCHvDJUcYjRuv4Svm_UEWO9Ng4Vr_bomu8QwZZgy8k2YGldLgDWfpIixEmn-gAaHLeLEShkecW0ss4kp7vaD5w3svvbeX_V3HUtbXVmqjw3S8ct-OZirxpjlonCdQ/s1600/IMG_9699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNytjCG2TV9uvpyAlCHvDJUcYjRuv4Svm_UEWO9Ng4Vr_bomu8QwZZgy8k2YGldLgDWfpIixEmn-gAaHLeLEShkecW0ss4kp7vaD5w3svvbeX_V3HUtbXVmqjw3S8ct-OZirxpjlonCdQ/s320/IMG_9699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Place rolls onto a baking stone, or cookie sheets work too. Brush tops with melted butter and allow to rise for approximately two hours. (Rolls should double in size.) Bake at 375 degrees for 10- 15 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Brush hot rolls with a little bit more butter.<br />
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Seriously, melt in your mouth delicious! But be careful. If you make them once, you may end up making them all the time!!!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-41254648556834314982013-11-18T11:02:00.000-07:002013-12-02T13:41:02.810-07:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5CG7pstTmAhf0YaPRYuI5ET0-BVTI6tDN32JWu9Y6GA2u-yjgt7I4topQ2q-XHQ1W4uYHVjvXTnS-mBG3VrIo0mD7Ac7kmOeiaamfZVMD3xvQf4TitFzOsj65PedmdAB5SiB3fcty_Y/s1600/IMG_8815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5CG7pstTmAhf0YaPRYuI5ET0-BVTI6tDN32JWu9Y6GA2u-yjgt7I4topQ2q-XHQ1W4uYHVjvXTnS-mBG3VrIo0mD7Ac7kmOeiaamfZVMD3xvQf4TitFzOsj65PedmdAB5SiB3fcty_Y/s320/IMG_8815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I try to always focus on the positive. Probably a defense strategy I've developed over the years out of necessity in order to survive! ;-) I'm also pretty big on expressing it. I like people to know how much they mean to me and I like my kids to understand that in spite of the difficulties life sometimes brings, there is always much to be grateful for.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3Fm0qC7umAdl_IwXHbmVAQATRmo_5Dt5DxMmbz-Oe1Mf52C_nZDSKMTAzKgOxXS89ylutEtk4G679sY7Pc2fu0mDxmPTJ6gV7BPr5VmXK2P-dflBPZaxXb5Uyod9oBQA8-0dLuDyFMs/s1600/IMG_9717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3Fm0qC7umAdl_IwXHbmVAQATRmo_5Dt5DxMmbz-Oe1Mf52C_nZDSKMTAzKgOxXS89ylutEtk4G679sY7Pc2fu0mDxmPTJ6gV7BPr5VmXK2P-dflBPZaxXb5Uyod9oBQA8-0dLuDyFMs/s320/IMG_9717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So, we made up a bunch of these wood signs for a few friends and family, added a nice little sentiment, wrapped them in cellophane, (of course!) and tied it all up with some pretty ribbon. Delivering little random gifts is sooo much fun!!!<br />
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It also gave me the opportunity to think about what I'm most thankful for this year..... Like my kids. Laughter and good times that fill our home. The way we listen to loud music and dance around all silly. Sometimes even throwing in an occasional conga line around our kitchen island as we bake. Amazing friends that always lift me up and make me smile. Hobbies. Lots and lots of hobbies and things I really love doing. Even running. And some new running shoes that actually aren't the ugliest things ever made, although I'll still only wear them when absolutely necessary. My warm heater in my wood shop/garage that keeps me from freezing as I work on cold days. Diet Dr. Pepper, that I really should stop drinking, but we all know that's not happening! Reliable transportation. My cozy, comfortable home. Funny stories. Pictures..... sitting down at the end of a long day and looking at all of the pictures I take, which is kind-of a ridiculous amount, but whatever. It makes me happy to see my life filled with memories of the people I love and cherish. Good times. =)<br />
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Thankful.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-6917459756710663942013-11-15T23:36:00.000-07:002013-12-02T13:39:18.745-07:00Pumpkin Pie Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE34jNqHjQTowvHJvwFitWUq6UMZBTtEld5h8BXRX73nWZijHG8UzY3Q3DQoa2fJIKNpynhg6sGbcYqaeT89LlZRgdPFn8Dm_7QBxq8eKrtrR6BfsCD5J0rZF3-2aNEJzFipuTvvs6eXU/s1600/IMG_9687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE34jNqHjQTowvHJvwFitWUq6UMZBTtEld5h8BXRX73nWZijHG8UzY3Q3DQoa2fJIKNpynhg6sGbcYqaeT89LlZRgdPFn8Dm_7QBxq8eKrtrR6BfsCD5J0rZF3-2aNEJzFipuTvvs6eXU/s320/IMG_9687.JPG" width="226" /></a></div>
So, I always get to this time of year and crave pumpkin. Especially pumpkin pie cake! Seriously, this dessert is evil!!! But oh sooo worth it every once in a while.....<br />
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1 29 oz. can pumpkin <br />
1 cup sugar <br />
1 tsp. cinnamon <br />
1/2 tsp. salt <br />
1/2 tsp. nutmeg <br />
1/2 tsp. ginger<br />
3 eggs<br />
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1 12 oz. can evaporated milk</div>
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1 box yellow cake mix</div>
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1 cup chopped pecans</div>
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3/4 cup melted butter</div>
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Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and spices. Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top, breaking up any clumps. Top with nuts. Drizzle with butter. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Cool. Refrigerate. Seriously, this tastes divine when it's really cold! Serve with whipped cream.<br />
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YUM!!!<br />
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Funny little story..... I made this for some friends recently and forgot to add the sugar. Trying to do too many things at once = not so yummy. Had no idea until two days later when I woke up thinking I had left out that crucial ingredient. Of course, they were very polite when I asked if it had tasted funny. I'm sure it was gaggy!!! Sooo embarrassing and totally worth making another one just to redeem myself! Don't leave anything out! And Enjoy.....Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-81279950627888908112013-11-09T18:55:00.000-07:002013-12-02T14:00:17.824-07:00Sunday Sweets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj5HTkMxBrnsfcyte46ZKGtpVXHnh_Og6TmLG2jMXdw5jnyCEF26GHd9kFMVD39xKQ8maSjO2z8f6lWgBV6gnIJwAfpUIUPDKmUY8OzR-QVzkmQBizeo51G2MHa6-fM57f9swLecazsI/s1600/IMG_9484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj5HTkMxBrnsfcyte46ZKGtpVXHnh_Og6TmLG2jMXdw5jnyCEF26GHd9kFMVD39xKQ8maSjO2z8f6lWgBV6gnIJwAfpUIUPDKmUY8OzR-QVzkmQBizeo51G2MHa6-fM57f9swLecazsI/s200/IMG_9484.jpg" /></a></div>
Every Sunday we make dessert. My kids take turns each week picking out a recipe, figuring out what ingredients we will need and then we make it all together after dinner. Thus Sunday Sweets. We've made this carmel corn recipe two weeks in a row now. Yes. It's that good.<br />
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<b>Caramel Corn</b><br />
1/2 cup popcorn kernels - popped<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup light corn syrup<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
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Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. When mixture begins to boil, stop stirring and let boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla. Pour over popcorn and mix well. Spread in jelly roll pan. Place in 250 degree oven for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-40592803324708760322013-11-09T10:10:00.000-07:002013-12-02T14:00:43.137-07:00Cowgirl Boots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q61csHne7sarG79IvNEh9ZiSXbk34AZD7WN0mEWicrAKOdBRYaHXYOuMsu6v7WDhqCaNrRWf0wm4d7U9yH3M5U4WP7k8CMikb7vBQQ5RJzXx2Ozlrij1xRKNc9_yYuSGR4Jkjlhrd0s/s1600-h/boots_sepia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q61csHne7sarG79IvNEh9ZiSXbk34AZD7WN0mEWicrAKOdBRYaHXYOuMsu6v7WDhqCaNrRWf0wm4d7U9yH3M5U4WP7k8CMikb7vBQQ5RJzXx2Ozlrij1xRKNc9_yYuSGR4Jkjlhrd0s/s400/boots_sepia.jpg" /></a></div>
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I took this picture for some posters I made recently, and it makes me happy every time I see it. These boots were originally purchased for my oldest daughter years ago when she wanted to be Jessie for Halloween. She LOVED her boots and wore them everywhere. Little sis was thrilled to inherit them and wore them just as much. I'm rather sentimental about the things my kids really love. So are they. These tangible objects are linked to so many wonderful memories and sometimes that makes it hard to let things go. If my kids had their way, we would never get rid of anything, no matter how old or worn out it may be. I'm thinking it would be fun to photograph more of these random things and compile a book for each of them and then frame some of our favorites. But I'm keeping the boots.</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-72911551499876558692013-11-06T21:47:00.000-07:002013-12-02T14:01:12.741-07:00Mommy Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_URMC9t18makl1XjHm3St9xcw4pBSoMnw-I2IpASTi30m6jsuIipHQ2hYo0Qr9KUD1sDUv3eYEElT-GK1TSrOv0Lc4XzbxHlruHu9-H7utQN81CrmCiYjPxPist5MtlwUy-geJr-cpQ/s1600-h/IMG_9426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_URMC9t18makl1XjHm3St9xcw4pBSoMnw-I2IpASTi30m6jsuIipHQ2hYo0Qr9KUD1sDUv3eYEElT-GK1TSrOv0Lc4XzbxHlruHu9-H7utQN81CrmCiYjPxPist5MtlwUy-geJr-cpQ/s320/IMG_9426.jpg" /></a></div>
Took advantage of some spectacular fall weather today and went to the zoo. We loved seeing all of the baby animals, particularly this monkey cuddling her little baby. It was sooooo sweet and tender.<br />
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I love that my daughter said, "That's just what mommies do." </div>
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And the baby elephant? Adorable beyond words.<br />
Exactly how I feel about my own babes.</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-23074819740409366642013-10-31T22:24:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:43:31.647-07:00Halloween Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6oCdYlUVdNDEUaPdhXdMXPtv1MFc9Vmt_iR-d7mbtUY_e82ULFfeizbtoQgt2eQYwA7E2ccFFL4gK6865NQXPO4OWC-VdZHm4WSP5mufyUmwF4CVHDysIWl66sbGp4kNuPGf-ZYEmtQ/s1600-h/IMG_9268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6oCdYlUVdNDEUaPdhXdMXPtv1MFc9Vmt_iR-d7mbtUY_e82ULFfeizbtoQgt2eQYwA7E2ccFFL4gK6865NQXPO4OWC-VdZHm4WSP5mufyUmwF4CVHDysIWl66sbGp4kNuPGf-ZYEmtQ/s400/IMG_9268.jpg" /></a></div>
We look forward to Halloween night every year, and our family dinner is one of our favorite traditions. I serve up homemade soups, bone breadsticks and our special black Halloween punch.....<br />
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<b>Black Halloween Punch</b><br />
2 vinyl gloves<br />
1 pkg. unsweetened grape Kool-Aid<br />
1 pkg. unsweetened orange Kool-Aid<br />
2 cups white sugar<br />
3 quarts cold water<br />
1 liter ginger ale<br />
1 liter Coke<br />
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Fill the gloves 3/4 full with cold water. Tie the end in a knot. Lay one flat on a small pan. Arrange the other palm down over a shelf ledge or other container so the fingers hang down the side. Freeze overnight. These are very fragile, so I always make two sets..... just in case.<br />
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Combine the drink mixes, sugar and water in a large punch bowl. Stir until completely dissolved. Stir in ginger ale and Coke. Briefly run the hands under cool water and cut away the gloves. Add to the punch.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmv7HKu2jz4zrChwAKxLQQdmf3L6u2OQrawnj5jS9HHuPyzw3ocwj8_s9Rmjjr0cJG5fLOW34DyMmZuk-qBKnVMOnvUxJfkryXE9bBBVo_Tu5Pv0QtW3Wm-tiVUJqEz4pVMC5v8iUd-s/s1600-h/IMG_9267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmv7HKu2jz4zrChwAKxLQQdmf3L6u2OQrawnj5jS9HHuPyzw3ocwj8_s9Rmjjr0cJG5fLOW34DyMmZuk-qBKnVMOnvUxJfkryXE9bBBVo_Tu5Pv0QtW3Wm-tiVUJqEz4pVMC5v8iUd-s/s320/IMG_9267.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Bone Breadsticks</b><br />
1 tube refrigerated breadstick dough<br />
Butter<br />
Course salt<br />
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Unroll breadstick dough and separate into rectangular pieces. Use the full length, or cut in half to make smaller bones. Cut a 1 inch slit in the center of each end. Roll or shape the flaps to look like the ends of bones. Stretch out as needed. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Brush on a small amount of melted butter and sprinkle with a little course salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWfeRDBjwJ-SNidlvlN2WgeZCOz6d9mXe5TB6npfVz2Cao4TTXzpqY67Wp_kV2FEEzceRAbI4qRrs_0aHXA9KwZeluJYm1DpdfgOO-YI6jOsCbA5mH9ZhMqOkJN3UPXxVcjFQ8DjrOF4/s1600-h/IMG_9369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWfeRDBjwJ-SNidlvlN2WgeZCOz6d9mXe5TB6npfVz2Cao4TTXzpqY67Wp_kV2FEEzceRAbI4qRrs_0aHXA9KwZeluJYm1DpdfgOO-YI6jOsCbA5mH9ZhMqOkJN3UPXxVcjFQ8DjrOF4/s200/IMG_9369.jpg" /></a><br />
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I like to make at least two different soups every year, and keep them warm all night in case any of our visitors need to come in and warm up for a bit. This year I made Vegetable Beef and Chicken Enchilada.....<br />
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<b>Vegetable Beef Soup</b><br />
1 pound beef top round steak, cut into 1 inch chunks<br />
1 large onion, chopped<br />
3 carrots, chopped<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
2 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled<br />
3 14 oz. cans reduced sodium beef broth<br />
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes (fire roasted, if you can find them)<br />
1/2 cup long-grain rice<br />
3 cups small broccoli florets<br />
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper<br />
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Spray a large pan with non-stick spray and cook beef over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until browned on all sides. About 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, garlic, and bacon. Reduce heat to medium, cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened. About 10 minutes. <br />
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Add enough water to the broth to make 6 cups. Place in a large stock pot with beef and vegetables. Add tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Stir in the rice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the broccoli and pepper; return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until broccoli is tender, about 6 minutes.<br />
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* I like to triple this recipe when I make it and freeze the leftovers. It's not much more work, it re-heats really well and make for an easy dinner another time.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Pfz4CBx3_3nlQU8-e4qOfH8ESWj_tsaf57n0ySVas6_TatkQ8SuNAQ59ibpgAtD1D8xKYJibY_ALWd009CwGhptfg4GjWYZfgKmO9zRurqJvoEp0cnaMWKCXzQvpGaEfLPwT6sJnHus/s1600-h/IMG_9371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Pfz4CBx3_3nlQU8-e4qOfH8ESWj_tsaf57n0ySVas6_TatkQ8SuNAQ59ibpgAtD1D8xKYJibY_ALWd009CwGhptfg4GjWYZfgKmO9zRurqJvoEp0cnaMWKCXzQvpGaEfLPwT6sJnHus/s200/IMG_9371.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Enchilada Soup</span><br />
2 10 oz. cans green enchilada sauce<br />
2 10 oz. cans red enchilada sauce<br />
2 10 oz. cans cream of chicken soup<br />
2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes<br />
1 14 oz. can white beans<br />
1 14 oz. can black beans<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
3/4 cup dried onion<br />
1 cup Mexican shredded cheese<br />
2 tsp. garlic powder<br />
2 tsp. cumin<br />
4 grilled (or cooked) chicken breasts, diced.<br />
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Mix all ingredients in a crock pot and slow cook all day. Garnish with a little sour cream and cheese.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oMciOxxOwqIszhWbGoKYWCPrAwg_tOLSENHnRkmmN9SpJdrpURtE5WL2FNiybTAbApcZkohnzwD-BzNokZio8WJiAzuq1I9M6hYrdMl_hlz1YHtfXBXxDjmNvFyrTRlt5glcg0iAcOw/s1600-h/Jack-O-Lanterns+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oMciOxxOwqIszhWbGoKYWCPrAwg_tOLSENHnRkmmN9SpJdrpURtE5WL2FNiybTAbApcZkohnzwD-BzNokZio8WJiAzuq1I9M6hYrdMl_hlz1YHtfXBXxDjmNvFyrTRlt5glcg0iAcOw/s320/Jack-O-Lanterns+2009.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once dinner is done, we get all dressed up in our costumes, light our jack-o-lanterns, add dry ice to our giant cauldron, turn on the fog machine, and crank some spooky tunes. Did I mention we <b>LOVE</b> Halloween?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghd9yCRts2VukH2ekAfIKG3HEnXQOTakmXNnHjx-uGQcJU7TmyU2nnhtxerVocWdEolV84-wOqu_iIyunL2UNGXfHH4eoS5HzFTVWqin7BycHTZEEINOPY4zJqTvDffS7Fy0tWUWFBO8s/s1600-h/IMG_9300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghd9yCRts2VukH2ekAfIKG3HEnXQOTakmXNnHjx-uGQcJU7TmyU2nnhtxerVocWdEolV84-wOqu_iIyunL2UNGXfHH4eoS5HzFTVWqin7BycHTZEEINOPY4zJqTvDffS7Fy0tWUWFBO8s/s400/IMG_9300.jpg" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-39498975716191561542013-10-30T08:40:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:44:11.547-07:00No So Itsy Bitsy Spiders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtT8vwvtBFdY1i8o4bCT9bgQXMAzizcEtZoXnQxd9gOkkXs7_pKcKYUHctw3ZsIODMztnNcyDkPTNqyyLWVeafJRNc6ni98zpfnR7QU0PDXKGDuL6m6ceCncjy6JmLMoXg0TNi9D19Bs/s1600-h/wire+spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtT8vwvtBFdY1i8o4bCT9bgQXMAzizcEtZoXnQxd9gOkkXs7_pKcKYUHctw3ZsIODMztnNcyDkPTNqyyLWVeafJRNc6ni98zpfnR7QU0PDXKGDuL6m6ceCncjy6JmLMoXg0TNi9D19Bs/s320/wire+spider.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLaskdCSRJJID8pQrmsWcHFnoiqjaSMLke0tAX_IIUeW7CYSdrvge26sHFVI1pp3YgfosYpAIy0e3WLLEaDIdOAapsKnmVMo3MQqI9Nn3K_lJ4U7SgWO2ZnoAMpRUUmtLMEBz5mjh42g/s1600-h/IMG_9364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLaskdCSRJJID8pQrmsWcHFnoiqjaSMLke0tAX_IIUeW7CYSdrvge26sHFVI1pp3YgfosYpAIy0e3WLLEaDIdOAapsKnmVMo3MQqI9Nn3K_lJ4U7SgWO2ZnoAMpRUUmtLMEBz5mjh42g/s320/IMG_9364.jpg" /></a></div>
Another thing I love is little gifts. The more random and unexpected the better. For Halloween, I made a bunch of these spiders and wrapped them up in cellophane bags..... because everything looks better wrapped in cellophane, right? Added some cute ribbon and tags and gave them to teachers and friends. They are a perfect decorating filler and we had so much fun handing them out.<br />
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Hope everyone has a very Happy Halloween!!!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-15527683986964592412013-10-29T19:04:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:44:30.836-07:00Party MomI volunteer to be the room mom every year, taking full advantage of the years my kids really want me to be there. One of my very FAVORITE things to do is parties. These are some of our activities from this year.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHumX33vNQlXaUkxBr2sGYjcUv870z4Y9l0xA-tESvrcXCOmAx-Zc3e1L5xOAusFYg3Pu4E9Y1WwFdk2Mc66Rw4iZV2oCLt1AP6zdkcLoTJaTPJk3nZt7vGNXEcRbDell098ZATQfP3A/s1600-h/IMG_9132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHumX33vNQlXaUkxBr2sGYjcUv870z4Y9l0xA-tESvrcXCOmAx-Zc3e1L5xOAusFYg3Pu4E9Y1WwFdk2Mc66Rw4iZV2oCLt1AP6zdkcLoTJaTPJk3nZt7vGNXEcRbDell098ZATQfP3A/s200/IMG_9132.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{ Mummy Wrap }</span></b><br />
Divide the kids into two teams. Designate a mummy and a wrapper for each team, then race to see who can cover their mummy first.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvY2boQKegKwfke7-PRAPfVLAwA_xHHWJ4LdaeYocGiX0ABmkswAr6mGvua-yF6EfrNm49KsFnaEkow2YSOaW2l6-bwwPlhpT-Itlh9YZg_0g5q8l7swaMO293NQ0agriw2A41inbQY4/s1600-h/IMG_9138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvY2boQKegKwfke7-PRAPfVLAwA_xHHWJ4LdaeYocGiX0ABmkswAr6mGvua-yF6EfrNm49KsFnaEkow2YSOaW2l6-bwwPlhpT-Itlh9YZg_0g5q8l7swaMO293NQ0agriw2A41inbQY4/s200/IMG_9138.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{ Spooky Charades }</span></b><br />
Before the party, blow up white balloons and insert a slip of paper in each one with words like spider, witch, zombie, Frankenstein, ghost, etc. Anything Halloween related that the kids can act out will work. Draw ghost faces on the balloons. At the party, each child takes a turn selecting a "ghost," popping it, reading their piece of paper and then trying to get the other kids to guess who/what they are.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNjX1O9tqfHletLPzVhgUso_kN_NaY29c8hg5IMhALVngIppE3IBUCuCNJI4WyWANQdO55EBfKS4qj9U2Ufy6AJ_PUeeoEf8XLdwVdceE3vWaADF1ZfLDlvSpdK7EXP6JKayg4RBLfSg/s1600-h/IMG_9145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNjX1O9tqfHletLPzVhgUso_kN_NaY29c8hg5IMhALVngIppE3IBUCuCNJI4WyWANQdO55EBfKS4qj9U2Ufy6AJ_PUeeoEf8XLdwVdceE3vWaADF1ZfLDlvSpdK7EXP6JKayg4RBLfSg/s200/IMG_9145.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{ Spider Craft }</span></b><br />
Wrap four black pipe cleaners around a pencil and bend them to look like spider legs. Use tacky glue to add some googley eyes.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{ Witches Brew }</span></b></div>
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When our rotations are finished, we turn off the lights and the kids gather around in front of my ginormous cauldron, filled with dry ice and root beer in a smaller pot inside. I tell them that I've spent the whole years gathering bugs, rats, spiders, etc. just to make my special brew for them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTc6Lo7Rp0-r1NuCHeUuSnZSAprjUAsqIRNdjhx0xTKm-zrPr48xD3SjGkWBsiEJMdwMTXDHImte4gNEgQKML2Jk-d7gBo8mPrepZSDkOcKKuiCsQsOL7DwrshHd0mlo9m6UPXqW0JCs/s1600-h/IMG_9160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTc6Lo7Rp0-r1NuCHeUuSnZSAprjUAsqIRNdjhx0xTKm-zrPr48xD3SjGkWBsiEJMdwMTXDHImte4gNEgQKML2Jk-d7gBo8mPrepZSDkOcKKuiCsQsOL7DwrshHd0mlo9m6UPXqW0JCs/s400/IMG_9160.jpg" /></a></div>
One at a time, I add fake spiders, rats, bats, a few eyeballs, and anything else creepy and gross I have and stir them in. Then I pull out my special ingredient..... a test tube filled with green water that I tell them is squished bugs guts I've been collecting. I take a sip, let out a loud scream, fall to the ground and after a few "convulsions" I jump up and tell them it's perfect!!!<br />
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I love that every year a few kids are reluctant to drink it.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-53446113099509689742013-10-26T09:12:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:44:54.218-07:00Spider Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeiFnsx8Om9ZvzY-_SyVy01uvWjMFiuSKPmTqCecVo7KiPr7ZbLgC9r7RSeYSQXf_7Q5a_lQh87F7bIKcCCJuruB1jSk2TzAfXD3gjhlSZKReGD_wexJAX_h3WAyGhjKpE1VQJPWu5DE/s1600-h/IMG_8907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeiFnsx8Om9ZvzY-_SyVy01uvWjMFiuSKPmTqCecVo7KiPr7ZbLgC9r7RSeYSQXf_7Q5a_lQh87F7bIKcCCJuruB1jSk2TzAfXD3gjhlSZKReGD_wexJAX_h3WAyGhjKpE1VQJPWu5DE/s400/IMG_8907.jpg" /></a></div>
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My kids love to have special treats for their close friends on Halloween. So, when I saw this idea <a href="http://www.mcillecespot.blogspot.com/2009/10/bubble-bubble-toil-trouble.html">here</a>, I had to snatch some up online from <a href="http://www.ellenhutson.com/servlet/the-2495/Martha-Stewart-Test-Tube/detail">Ellen Hutson.</a> I love the way my darling friend Amber created her tags, but running short on time I had to simplify. The specimen labels came with the test tubes. I hot-glued on some plastic spiders and filled them with juicy pear Jelly Belly's. My favorite. <i>Eeeeeeek! </i></div>
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Just a reminder..... today is the last day to enter my</div>
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<a href="http://www.ladybugsspotblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/turkey-tuesday-giveaway.html">Turkey Tuesday Giveaway</a>. </div>
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Check it out and drop me a line if you'd like a chance to WIN!!!</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-30969664997396920602013-10-25T21:36:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:45:16.291-07:00BOO!<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifilFd0oIAM6nSqk_VBjZ5r1sAUTIyQ7iaXIOaxkRMQl38VGPGYUvhbfjZ2786f0hNs-RJ-rnYINz0twSXMnZJT3U2curM23Zp-Cj9jEg66L1Jjp-Pe5fT7Keuzb_AETWI7LqRCPPoUwI/s1600-h/Boo+Ghost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifilFd0oIAM6nSqk_VBjZ5r1sAUTIyQ7iaXIOaxkRMQl38VGPGYUvhbfjZ2786f0hNs-RJ-rnYINz0twSXMnZJT3U2curM23Zp-Cj9jEg66L1Jjp-Pe5fT7Keuzb_AETWI7LqRCPPoUwI/s200/Boo+Ghost.jpg" /></a>Another fun Halloween tradition we enjoy is "BOO"ing our neighbors. We anonymously leave a treat, ring the doorbell and run!!! These ghost cookies are super easy to make and perfect for sharing. Simply dip Nutter Butter cookies in melted white chocolate and create spooky faces with milk chocolate chips. Cute and yummy.</div>
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My daughter drew our ghost this year and I absolutely love it!!! Leave a picture of a ghost for people to display on their door or window along with the following poem.....</div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: 'Party LET'; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 800;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: 'Party LET'; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 800;"> BOO!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">The air is cool, the season Fall,</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">soon Halloween will come to all.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With ghosts and goblins, spooks galore.....</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trick-or treaters at your door.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spooks are after things to do.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In fact, a spook brought this to you!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hang the ghost upon your door.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take this note..... and make two more.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Find a neighbor that hasn't been "hit."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take a little treat with it.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We'll all have smiles upon our faces,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">no one knows who "BOO"ed which places!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A day or two to work your spell,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">but keep it secret! Hide it well!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Join in the fun..... the season's here.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, spread these "BOO's" and Halloween cheer!</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnnObDCcFChRpRGzSpzmMw1AwwNIezAr27gcVzNQtzQPZmxcdHm3l-QYDdZkYmMl-k_bAMuO_XunB004DWpEhlRMDo0pGBKWqtEwW1_1cU_iRnXn1GF7YaAPxA3ubSHTDt8C_dhNYz_Q/s1600-h/IMG_8937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnnObDCcFChRpRGzSpzmMw1AwwNIezAr27gcVzNQtzQPZmxcdHm3l-QYDdZkYmMl-k_bAMuO_XunB004DWpEhlRMDo0pGBKWqtEwW1_1cU_iRnXn1GF7YaAPxA3ubSHTDt8C_dhNYz_Q/s200/IMG_8937.jpg" /></a></div>
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My girls really got into the festivities this year, dressing in dark clothing and stretching out to limber up before making their drops. If only they could have contained their giggles.....</div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: 'Party LET';"><span style="font-weight: normal;">HAPPY HAUNTING!!!</span></span> </span></b></span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-85482799064507329032013-10-22T22:46:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:45:36.928-07:00Spoooooky Sugar Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some of my favorite memories with my mom are times we spent baking in the kitchen. She made these pumpkin sugar cookies for Halloween, and I've carried on the tradition with my children. This year we added a little "sparkle" in the form of some colored sugar, because we're totally on a glitter kick lately. I love their random, silly faces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMVAcCUDyYnsrJhg5UgYA79etdUwV4eSb6agdzmdNeIoZB2uaoYWwZFh6w9FBVhzMc1NvXkUKQVeQaLRgnRzEGJzJ6dIuBxWvhLfBGOyfx1ekaT6CLtEWt0l5W9O_1CJdWJ-LodHPyCM/s1600/IMG_8919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMVAcCUDyYnsrJhg5UgYA79etdUwV4eSb6agdzmdNeIoZB2uaoYWwZFh6w9FBVhzMc1NvXkUKQVeQaLRgnRzEGJzJ6dIuBxWvhLfBGOyfx1ekaT6CLtEWt0l5W9O_1CJdWJ-LodHPyCM/s200/IMG_8919.jpg" /></a><b>Sugar Cookies</b><br />
1/2 cup butter, softened<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1/4 cup milk<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
2 1/4 cups flour<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp ground mace<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
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Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well. Add baking powder, mace and salt. Add flour. Cover and chill for one hour. On lightly floured surface, roll dough to desired thickness. Cut into shapes. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake thin cookies at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes, thick cookies 10-12 minutes. Cool. Then frost with.....<br />
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<b>Butter Frosting</b><br />
1/3 cup butter<br />
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar<br />
1/4 cup milk<br />
1 1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
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In a bowl beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well. Slowly beat in the milk and vanilla. Slowly beat in remaining sugar. Add additional milk if needed for spreading consistency. Add food coloring. Frost cookies. Decorate with colored sugar, candy corns and black licorice string.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ePDdC32zCnbE_lhEGoHBJtv2YU1hKlct1q1EbqMXwBUXQulN4w20_wf6GhSG-SmRIO140pJ_prhyphenhyphenxB2tnQ34R4-f4CwgzqgcmO1j6oWnzrIDnHH-zMXhrl_re7GMFFhUdFMklBa5fkQ/s1600-h/IMG_8929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ePDdC32zCnbE_lhEGoHBJtv2YU1hKlct1q1EbqMXwBUXQulN4w20_wf6GhSG-SmRIO140pJ_prhyphenhyphenxB2tnQ34R4-f4CwgzqgcmO1j6oWnzrIDnHH-zMXhrl_re7GMFFhUdFMklBa5fkQ/s320/IMG_8929.jpg" /></a></div>
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Everything looks better wrapped in cellophane. So, we arranged our cookies on these cute paper plates from Target, tied them up and shared them with our neighbors. A necessity, because these cookies are irresistibly delicious.</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-16113876977647304442013-10-11T21:48:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:45:57.033-07:00I want My Mummy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUIJhD1dx1M2VFkpQMbJJdHC7Z8P3OmYLrcPhjm8lXopUEQGqShQ6HFbHcqtmsvX_IuwLD31ZzW2WtqbSlcn_oRd5PNSSl_79th1nHORwE0wtLwSsKkpf9xCT2nmhzvcBAsZltHzZWMA/s1600-h/mummy+pizza.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391412226871276354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUIJhD1dx1M2VFkpQMbJJdHC7Z8P3OmYLrcPhjm8lXopUEQGqShQ6HFbHcqtmsvX_IuwLD31ZzW2WtqbSlcn_oRd5PNSSl_79th1nHORwE0wtLwSsKkpf9xCT2nmhzvcBAsZltHzZWMA/s320/mummy+pizza.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 256px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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I'm always on the prowl for fun things to do with my kids and love <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/halloween_ms_food">Family Fun</a> for ideas. We made both of these for Halloween parties last year and they were a big hit......</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Mummy Pizza</span></div>
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"Wrap" your mummy with shredded string cheese draped over english muffins and sauce. Sliced olives with tiny pieces of green pepper create the eyes. Bake @ 375 for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly browned.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyHrz8ZpdjDoCXSZxncopZjoyaLUg-r4j0KyM2y9tvvJKgTw9XaN3cz-Wa8hwfe0AYO5cllsVgH4ttAhsyKzXJkn0r6mgkqPTCZQ39JVMfTdiunJKSx_CDrliydOjltHOc2k8awlwUEA/s1600-h/mummy+craft+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391411712257823666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyHrz8ZpdjDoCXSZxncopZjoyaLUg-r4j0KyM2y9tvvJKgTw9XaN3cz-Wa8hwfe0AYO5cllsVgH4ttAhsyKzXJkn0r6mgkqPTCZQ39JVMfTdiunJKSx_CDrliydOjltHOc2k8awlwUEA/s200/mummy+craft+1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 175px;" /></a></div>
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<b>Mummy Craft</b></div>
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Cut two large craft sticks in half and hot glue together with a wooden craft spoon to make the body form. Tear one inch strips of muslin by making a small cut in the fabric, then tearing it apart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7ZER3EPDeHv6qBx5X-pPq5Cu8nUE6dEUcKRikonPF330SGVL8sC-AbSR7QpoPbNV2aI6PC7MALXNIxW0XuvbFPN0IwvLSjz1xq7WLtwx_t1CV9n0OEkwWkIO5ZPnjSFtCyIIbXilrLw/s1600-h/mummy+craft+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391411581276873986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7ZER3EPDeHv6qBx5X-pPq5Cu8nUE6dEUcKRikonPF330SGVL8sC-AbSR7QpoPbNV2aI6PC7MALXNIxW0XuvbFPN0IwvLSjz1xq7WLtwx_t1CV9n0OEkwWkIO5ZPnjSFtCyIIbXilrLw/s320/mummy+craft+2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div>
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Place a small glue dot on the figure to secure fabric strip, then wrap around until the body is completely covered, securing the end with another glue dot. Finish by gluing on some googley eyes. </div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-86292502073138802962013-10-08T22:36:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:46:26.186-07:00Our Haunted House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKFmFYoCWJ0z3v-WVW1Xtq5h0R6YL8Euu9i973lBP_tPQ_mtD6nzA8IHLMUIja7IbWsy_WLw45fR7_mr_525SizmpFWv7kCGA86azU9rWaq_MYxwmAMRiuMMipV_NHYQt9FN0FfLAMf8/s1600-h/IMG_8748.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390469332457080050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKFmFYoCWJ0z3v-WVW1Xtq5h0R6YL8Euu9i973lBP_tPQ_mtD6nzA8IHLMUIja7IbWsy_WLw45fR7_mr_525SizmpFWv7kCGA86azU9rWaq_MYxwmAMRiuMMipV_NHYQt9FN0FfLAMf8/s400/IMG_8748.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 216px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<b>I love decorating for Halloween!!! </b></div>
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K, so I just might be a little bit spazzy about it, but seriously..... this is nothing compared to Christmas. Something about the change of season combined with the rich, earthy colors and the smell of pumpkin spice just makes our home feel sooooo cozy and warm. </div>
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I love it and look forward to this every year. </div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390470429394139090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQe18rDmudhVB-u6YBHJCzcGo2HCMC7BvIrhZzUozWkCykDWEKI7-JPASTAY1flVxSPvZOCItYAn7XFDcULBACfmH4jZYCkCkTk4AhmQ1iE0qn5KEL_36LhaVRHXqCz22ZJA0WWPu_E9o/s320/IMG_8733.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 170px;" /><br />
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These are some of our favorite displays.....</div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390469188871759298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsco52OQKUYRXvW1fGZZ56LfenQ9RH3Nds50Nr7M3bKCj3U05Lgn-Juuasz5PBzRh4Ajik1RVWgKkfcHWId5D-sbPaamejtRdGVCoMEDGnafjH1MwLo417mzPuAavIsHs6GeuCvVv9Ckk/s200/IMG_0654.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 154px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /><br />
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I've had the broom and shoes for several years and made my "witch" sign specifically for this spot. Love how it looks all put together!</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390468054970301938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9CS-7myRrdG5k2poqCjCWDQqeg1jXGMYBFEAygFMW4e6nsHS4-_7L-KkbdWx3Yuyt3tzFZ_S6HuOkdULSozoIm63BKR0mhJhIsHJIjRgetHg04jhDus9WdHP5RS3TlJBcPRDlQpmCcY/s320/IMG_0701.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 260px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
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Designed this giant spider to fit in the half-circle window above my front door and it's one of my all-time favorites!!!</div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390468962424217538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXvZwpQQnICMui7HRRUKeAH6doEpNwtFLp05FQdGXGgTwZIbSl6SG1QGPrzk6XCF4OZL9FL8FdvSO6gxdyp35AooYKltPyCnAIzKaG0sqMaP6rGjjcptbQhPllUmJEjoNR2lYgNKlRdQ/s320/IMG_0669.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 154px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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I think the most enjoyable part about decorating for holidays is watching the kids open the totes and pull things out.</div>
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These familiar objects bring back so many happy memories </div>
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and hold the promise of even more to come.....</div>
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What's not to love?</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6919319555763445286.post-88430113455373986832013-10-06T23:48:00.000-06:002013-12-02T13:47:29.627-07:00Sidetracked<div>
I prefer the scenic route. Side roads. Getting off the beaten path. Once traveled 200 miles in the wrong direction to see the bridges of Madison County and will never forget being stranded on a tiny Yellowstone road while a herd of buffalo tried to maneuver around our car. I'm convinced the best stuff is slightly out of the way.</div>
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So, last week my boy and I rather spontaneously jumped into the car, popped in a little George Winston and headed up the canyons. SPECTACULAR!!! I sooooo LOVE this time of year. Anyway, before too long, I saw a little dirt road and was powerless to resist it. </div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390102171675958530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhah5v9y8ZyABS-SPz38c5IoI_qO30Kr_SDkDPBXAEuzihPLnOqvZIQ5XoE35iSEnQk2aik_IzRZj8ocr3J7mMq0NdT72kR9_qjURWPaBvM-BkRGir9dEKK29s4NMLACMhG6lsocYXXsaI/s400/canyon+road.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
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Heading up, I soon realized the road was very narrow..... on an increasingly steep cliff. It was the sort-of road that leaves you wondering what you will do if another car passes by, and you're pretty sure if that happens someone's going to plummet over the edge and you'd rather it not be you. I kept thinking I should turn around, but when the occasional opportunity presented itself, I took a pass. I mean, what is the point of taking a side road if you never get to see where it leads you?</div>
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It was an incredibly beautiful drive. That did eventually come to an end. Which is good, or I'd probably still be wandering through those mountains.....</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02585703884375603866noreply@blogger.com3