The Sassy Mom Shoppe

Follow Me to a New Home....

2009-06-13T16:54:00.007-06:00

Welcome...to my new Link Blog!! You can click over to Domestically Sassy! formally known as 'The Sassy Mom Shoppe'

See you there!

Change is in the Air!

2009-06-10T16:22:00.002-06:00

While I was away for a few weeks, I spent a lot of time learning blog design.

I feel in love it! I've become very addicted to it.

So, long story short, I designed two new blogs. I will be moving my personal blog (this one) to a new home and this blog will become my 'Link Blog'...don't know what that is? You'll see ;)

I'm also starting a Blog Design Biz....'Eye Candy Designs.' (Coming Soon!)

So, mark your calenders, put up post it notes, write on your hand....whatever you do to remember things....

Monday, June 15 this blog will move over to it's new home!

See you there!

One Long Day!

2009-06-08T09:42:00.008-06:00

{Capt. Tornado...cutie!}

Hello All!!

I've missed you!!

It's been a long couple of months and I've been enjoying 'almost' all of it. I've totally missed blogging and chatting with friends...but I've loved spending more time with my family.

This all started when I tried to 'Unplug' (previous post) for ONE DAY! Yes, that's right, TRIED!! I never thought of myself as being addicted to the computer until that very long day. All that was asked was to not use electronics for 24 hours...I thought it would be easy. Nope. Not easy. Having withdrawals isn't easy, it's painfully embarrassing.

This is what my day looked like on 'Unplug Day':

8a - Urge to check email....you never know 'who' could have sent me a message. It could have been very important. Right?
8:15 - " " " "....you know the rest!
8:30 - Thinking of reasons for checking email.
8:45 - Thinking of excuses to check email.
9a - Panic sets in! I must be missing something. (while 3yo watches movie)
9:15 - Thinking of taking 3yo to ZOO, while other kids are at school...starts to RAIN!
9:16 - Thinking of very colorful words to use because it's raining and now what am I going to do?
9:30 - Bored! Laundry needs to be done and groceries need to be bought but I'm bored!
9:45 - Thinking of an excuse to use the Internet.
9:45 1/2 - Got it! My excuse to use the Internet is to get a recipe for cookies (a recipe for cookies that I wouldn't normally use but it gets me one the Internet without feeling guilty because the cookies are for my kids!)
10a - Decided to do some Digital Scrapbooking and that was the end of that.

That is the saddest FAST from ELECTRONICS I've ever seen.

So, I got to thinking! Maybe I'm addicted to the computer? You think?

I'm sure you'll agree with me, when I say, I needed to 'Cut the Cord!' And I did.

It was hard. But the more time that went by, the more time I spent with my family. Especially my 3yo, who was missing out on Mommy time, while the older kids were at school.

I'm so glad I learned this lesson, it was hard and embarrassing, but it was necessary for me...to become a better Me, Wife and Mother.

Thanks, Melissa!

Are YOU going to UNPLUG tomorrow?

2009-03-26T16:40:00.004-06:00

Friday, March 27 is Unplug Day!! You can get more details from one of my favorite Interior Designers...A Soft Place To Land!

This is going to be more difficult than I thought. I was planning on taking Captain Tornado to the Zoo, but since we were hit with a Blizzard of Snow today, I have NO Plans! What will I do? Yes, the snow has melted but it's FREEZING outside. I don't like to be cold.

I'm going to have to get creative. Wish me luck ;)

Just FYI, I have ALL my excuses written down, so when you all ask what I did...I'll be able to answer YOU, with a REALLY Good Reason to WHY...I HAD to use my 'Puter!!

Have a Great Day, tomorrow...because I won't be here {{wink, wink}}

HomeMaker Pro ~Spontaneous Love!

2009-03-24T15:03:00.008-06:00

{Mr. Man and Captain Tornado}

A couple weekends ago we told our kids to grab pj's, clean clothes and a swimsuit and get in the car. Oh and a toothbrush:) They had NO idea where we were going and FRANKLY..we only kinda new! I'm a Spontaneous Person, to a fault, Mr. Man says! It took 30 minutes and we were off on a mini vacation. A couple miles down the road we had to turn around! Forgot a few things, then we were off, again!

We stopped every couple hours to play at parks, eat, etc. My Super kids were sooooo good in the car. I'm thinking it was because they had NO idea where we were going.

By the time we got to St. George it was 8pm, yes it took 7 hours to get there! We got a hotel, had dinner, went swimming and went to bed. The next morning we ate at Denny's, the first and the last time we take 7 kids to a restaurant and let them get whatever they wanted. Haha! Spending a small fortune on breakfast was part of the experience, at least that's what we are telling ourselves.

{Mr. Man and Captain Tornado on the rock thing that has DIXIE on it}

{My Sassy Family on top of the DIXIE rock...I think you got enough of ME in the last post! See the Temple on the right? }

Did I mention, we drove into Arizona, just so my kids could stand on Arizona soil and say they've been there! I know, I know...we're AMAZING PARENTS!

We drove back into our driveway by 9pm Sunday night...it was a fast trip but worth it!

Sometimes, we need to get away and spend time with each other.

Extreme MakeOver or Not! Part 2

2009-03-20T12:38:00.007-06:00

This is what 5 hours at the salon looks like....I went from a lot of BLEACH, to a lot of BROWN! My hair hasn't been this healthy for a long time! I went a little shorter than I wanted because of the damage to my ends.

{New Bangs! Haven't had those in a while}

My natural hair color looks like this just without the highlights, I think! I've been coloring for so long, l'm not sure what my natural color is. I do know that my hair has a TON of GRAY!! Next time, I have a 2 month out growth, I'll take a picture of the HUGE patch of gray on top my head:(

The two bloggers I used as examples are:

Jennifer from The Petersons Go Public....Click HERE to see the photo I used for my haircut! {two pic's down sitting with her boys}

and...

Laurie from Tip Junkie..Click HERE to see the photo I used as an example for my hair color(s). I went a little darker! ;)

Extreme MakeOver or Not!

2009-03-19T17:21:00.004-06:00

{Courtesy of The Sassy Mom;)}

Today was a very exciting day for me. I spent 5 hours at the salon getting my hair all decked out. I couldn't decide on a color so I told My very own Stylist to do whatever!

Ha Ha, no way...I'm way to controlling to let loose like that.

Actually, I was very specific about my color and cut. I took in two pictures so she would know exactly what I wanted. My Stylist has requested I ALWAYS bring in pictures of 'what' I want done. She says I'm waaaayyyy to OCD and she's VERY tired of 'fixing' the color or cut a day later. Good thing she's family or I would get my feelings hurt.

Tomorrow, I'll show you 'WHO' was in the pictures I gave to My Stylist. Two of my favorite bloggers in fact. Oh, and I'll post a pic of my New Hair;)

Super Sassy Find!!

2009-03-18T13:53:00.004-06:00

If you're like ME, and you should be;), you LOVE shoes!! And a Super Great Deal!! Ohhh and you also have to be Super Cheap! None of the high priced shoes here...I'm way to cheap!

If you're not a shoe lover that's okay..you can stay!

Just to clear up my love for shoes...I don't have a ton of shoes, because I'm way to picky! But the pairs I do have are very special and were made just for me! Your shoes aren't made especially for you? Sorry. I'm also not into high heels. I would surely tip over and break something. I like to stay close to the ground, that way falling doesn't hurt or look as bad. My logic, what can I say?

My trips to consignment stores and yard sales are very rewarding when I find a pair of shoes with my name on them. So when I went to my favorite 'used' store, they now me by name there, I was SUPER excited to find a 'Super Sassy Find!'. And here they are:

Perfect condition! No scraps, scratches or stains!! And I'm pretty sure they've never been worn. The soles aren't scuffed and the inside has no wear, at all! Aren't I lucky?

Would you like to know what they cost me? I'm sure you do...I paid a WHOPPING $3. I'm good!

Homemaker Pro #6 Forgetful and Disorganized!

2009-03-16T13:17:00.006-06:00

I could start off by telling you the best made up story for missing the last two HPro posts BUT...that would be YET another excuse for my forgetfulness and disorganization! So instead, I'm going to tell YOU how to be forgetful and disorganized, like me! It's very complex so please try to keep up.

First - You MUST, and I repeat, You MUST...live on 5 hours of sleep each night! With interruptions. If you don't have children to wake up in the middle of the night, set your alarm at 2am and 5am.

2nd - You'll need 35 minutes to get ready in the morning! Yes, that's including a shower! Hair, Make-Up, Etc. Take off 5 minutes if your phone rings and 5 minutes if you want to eat something.

3. - You get to take your children to school....see if you make it out of the parking lot without a child saying they FORGOT something! To bad, get out! {You have to talk like that to be like me!}

Four! - While six of your kids are at school....This is important so listen UP!....YOU MUST follow a 2yo around with Clorox Bleach and a washcloth cleaning the walls and furniture, for 7 hours. Mr. Man calls this one Picasso!

5th - This one's TRICKY so pay attention. Make sure to get ALL your Appts in your calender, iPHONE, Planner, sticky notes(everywhere) and on your bathroom mirror with lipstick....and Don't forget to tell your secretary, you don't have a secretary? I feel sorry for you! After all this is done, YOU MUST...forget the appointment and pay the 'NO SHOW' fee! {Don't ask how many times I've done this, it would be WAY to embarrassing.}

6. - YOU MUST intentionally forget to make a 'weekly menu' for dinners. Secretly hoping a COOK will show up at 5pm every night to cook a super yummy meal, then vanish into the night so EVERYONE thinks it was YOU who came up with the most amazing meal EVER! {twisted, I know!}

Seventh - Your PANTRY has to look like a Tornado hit it! {'nuff said}

8TH - Your list of 'PROJECTS' should be at least...oh, I don't know...1 mile long! If you are NOT weighed down with 'projects'..like sewing, decorating your kids rooms, scrapbooking, painting, etc. You cannot be like ME! You HAVE to be totally weighed down, SORRY.

NINE - In your spare time, EAT as much CHOCOLATE as you can so you gain 15-20lbs. I told you it was gonna be hard to be like ME! You have to work at it.

10. - Use this MOTTO.......i'M A pROfessioNAL heRe!! I'm working!

Now, you have all the skills to be like ME, Forgetful and Disorganized!

TTFN!

A New Look....

2009-03-10T18:48:00.009-06:00

{blog design by: Graphically Designing, the best blog designer EVER!}

Things are changing around here.

I've grown out of 'The Sassy Mom'. Sad, I know! But change is a GOOD thing, right? 'Domestically Sassy' says more of who I am and what I do...if that makes ANY sense at all. The url will stay the same, for now! ;)

Great things are planned for this blog, so you'll want to stay tuned for more about me and my domestic self :)

Oh..and don't forget to grab my NEW button!! I made it myself.

and the WINNER is......

2009-03-08T21:28:00.002-06:00

And the winner is:

Gwynne from Lemonade Mama

Congrats Gwynne!!

If you haven't taken a tour through Gwynne's NEW blog, Lemonade Mama, you're missing out! She's a Glass Half FULL kinda gal! With all her challenges she manages to keep a positive outlook on life and raise a Tween boy. She uplifts others when..even she may be down. I'm thankful to know her and consider her to be a Friend!

This Blog is G rated....for ALL Ages:)

2009-03-08T14:10:00.000-06:00

I found this on a friends blog, From Son Up to Son Down...and had to see what my blog was rated. I was thankful for the G rating...I don't know what I would do if I got anything else. I mean..what would people say if I got a PG or a PG-13...hmmmm, that's scary to think about!

Iwill admit the G rating was because I said 'crack' once! What would it have been if I didn't say that? So glad you asked...I've gone back and changed it, just to see if my rating would change.

Well, it didn't! No change, at all! I was hoping for an E for Everyone...Dang! I'll have to deal with a G rating...haha!

What's your blog rating?

The Sassy Shoppe and a Giveaway!!

2009-03-04T00:00:00.010-07:00

If you know me, you know how much I love to sew. This passion started when I was young...I loved to sew and buy FABRIC!! If I could get paid for BUYING and DESIGNING fabric, I would think I had died and gone to heaven. So, I decided to open an Etsy shoppe to sell my much loved designs...most of them I didn't want to sell...I wanted to keep them! But...I had to sell something to make up for the money I was spending on fabric;) I started a shop and later discovered the name I was using was...not acceptable! It had to be changed, good things DO NOT come up when Googled :(

That's brings me to NOW...a new shop 'The Sassy Shoppe'....and a Giveaway!! Yippee! Any excuse for a PARTY, right!!

This contest is for a Sassy Eye Mask or a Sassy Head Wrap...winner chooses!

To be entered in this drawing:

~Leave a comment for an entry.

~Tweet this for another entry, come back and comment again that you tweeted:

@thesassymom is having a Giveaway! Enter here: http://alturl.com/8i6

~You can come back and leave 1 comment and 1 twitter comment each day until the contest is over.

Giveaway ends Saturday at 8pm CST. I will use Random.Org to find out who the winner is...it's the best way;)

Have Fun!!

{Sassy Head Wrap...fancy for Headband...I'm so funny! Made with High Quality Quilters Fabric. Measurements: 2 1/2" (at widest part) x 18 1/2", elastic straps are 3 1/2"}

{Sassy Eye Masks are made with High Quality Quilters Fabric, batting and Soft Flannel on the back. They measure 3 1/2" x 9" with a 13" elastic strap.}

Items will be added to The Sassy Shoppe weekly.

Sassy Mama's!!

2009-02-27T21:17:00.004-07:00

{I'm a Sassy 16! Find out more about the Sassy 16 HERE!}

Are you a Sassy Mama? If not...what are you waiting for? Click on over to Sassy Mama's and get registered! It's a Super Sassy Social Network you won't want to miss out on....Lots of Groups and Discussions to join. A whole lot of Sassy'ness going on...Not to mention the Giveaways to come!

I fit in very well over there....ask my children!

Homemaker Pro #5 Forget It!

2009-02-25T20:33:00.003-07:00

I'll just start out by saying...I forgot!

Can you believe I forgot to put up my posts! I haven't posted a post since last Thursday...that's odd! How could I just forget? It's not like I have a Super Great Man to take care of and kids to keep track of and groceries to buy and bills to pay and appts to keep (don't miss dr. appts...they make you pay $40) and bathrooms to clean...you get the picture!

It's not like I have a ton on my plate, RIGHT?

So, I asked myself...'Self, why are you so forgetful?' and this is what I said...'What was the question?' There you have it! It's all explained right there...Sad, really!

So...instead of a well thought out post for all my favorite bloggers to read...I will tell you about my day...

After taking my kids to school and listening to Chicks Who Chat @ 10am, every weekday (shameless plug). I knew I had to get out of the house and feel the warm sun and SHOP! So I drove on over to Gardner Village...nestled on a curve of a road in West Jordan, Utah:) I picked out new fabric for my Sassy Eye Masks, with a 2 yo...he was so good!

Anyway...the two of us walked around the lovely grounds, stopping every few steps to explore something new. We saw ducks, fish, rocks, shops, and a whole bunch of other stuff. For him, there was no rush, no worries, no fears. Just an innocent child living and exploring.

We spent over an hour being together when we stopped for a snack. He wanted a great big cookie, bigger than his hand, with red frosting and sugar crystals on top. I got a Diet Coke. He informed me that the crystals were 'spicey'...I said they were 'sweet'. He argued a little before tasting the sugar. He looked at me and said 'SWEET', with a big smile...I couldn't help but laugh and feel very thankful for everything I have.

It was a great day.

Super Sassy Find!! Torso or Bust?

2009-02-18T10:57:00.008-07:00

Have you ever seen one of these? I've only seen them in display windows...I've always loved them! Don't ask why? I just do!

Soooo...I snatched this SSF up, at an Auction my FIL invited us to, before anyone could bid on it! Not really...but totally thought about it! Wouldn't you know it, it was at the very bottom of the items to be auctioned and we had to wait, for like..hours;)! I wasn't leaving without it! Unless it was MORE than $20. Did I tell you I was cheap?

Anyway, Mr. Man was the highest bidder...WooHoo! He loves me! Oh, you want to know how much we paid...read on!

After winning this BEAUTIFUL, FINE, LOVELY...piece of Accessory, that came with 2 boxes of register tape (don't know what to do with that?) and 4 heads (you know, the heads for wigs to rest on)...had no use for them so I threw them out! After my daughters painted all over them. The register tape, not sure what to do with those. But..they have their own special place in the GARAGE! Love you, Mr. Man!

So, what do you do with something so special?...Hang JEWELRY on it and put it next to your bed! What else? What would you do with it?

And, by the way...it was listed as a 'Torso'...I said it was called a 'Bust'. What do you think?

Oh..and we only paid $7.50 for all of it! Mr. Man did GOOD!

Homemaker Pro #4 What's a MOM Worth?

2009-02-16T08:54:00.007-07:00

I'm so excited about today's HPro post. I know...it doesn't take much to get me excited. But, to me, this is HUGE!! Are you ready?

My salary for being a SAHM is...$224,000!!

Thanks to Mom.Salary.com...I was able to find out what I'm worth...in dollars. I mean...even $224,000 a year, doesn't come close to what a MOM is really worth. Or even, a wife who takes care of her hubby and works or any SASSY Gal for that matter! You don't have to be a mother to be worth MILLIONS!!

This is the break-down of Me, notice that General Maintenance Worker, Nutritionist, Plumber and Logistics Analyzer are all ZERO's. This is because Mr. Man takes care of the Maintenance, Plumbing and Analyzing. And, the Nutritionist part...hmmm, we have a Diabetic, a Celiac and some very picky eaters that make this category VOID!

....ignore all the little boxes..can't get rid of them! haha

Earning Statement

Our Family

For the year ending: February 2009

Job title

Hourly Rate

Hours worked

Housekeeper	$8.83	1,040
Day Care Center Teacher	$12.07	1,040
Cook	$12.25	624
Computer Operator	$14.09	520
Laundry Machine Operator	$9.06	780
Janitor	$9.29	520
Facilities Manager	$31.66	780
Chief Executive Officer	$62.13	780
Van Driver	$14.56	260
Psychologist	$33.37	416
Interior Designer	$16.87	260
Administrative Assistant	$15.26	260
Event Planner	$23.02	260
Bookkeeper	$15.07	260
General Maintenance Worker	$12.99	0
Groundskeeper	$11.14	260
Nutritionist	$20.56	0
Staff Nurse - RN	$25.28	260
Plumber	$14.60	0
Logistics Analyst	$20.25	0
			Total Value
Regular Hourly Rate	$20.09	2,080	$41,784
Over Time Rate	$30.13	6,240	$188,028

$229,813

Sooooo, What are YOU worth? To be TOTALLY Honest...I'm pretty sure, my worth is measured by how much CHOCOLATE my kids give me.

Thank You!!

2009-02-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm very thankful to family and friends who brought in meals, for a week, and took care of my kids while I was in the hospital....getting my Appendix out! Thank YOU!!

Instead of writing 'Thank You' notes...that wouldn't have been delivered...not to good at ty notes in the past. Anyway..I new I would get them delivered if I used CHOCOLATE! So, here's what I did....

Popped micro-popcorn and spread it out on two cookie sheets. Then I melted CHOCOLATE!;)

CHOCOLATE!!!

POPCORN!!

I put the melted CHOCOLATE into a sandwich bag, after eating some with a spoon!

I let it dry, forever!! I wanted to try it and it was taking a long time to firm up. I filled up several cello bags with popcorn and cinnamon lips with a red ribbon.

I got out my thank you notes...

...and chopped them up into 1 inch cards....

...used a hole puncher to punch holes...that takes TALENT!!...

...wrote my notes on them, no..you can't read what I wrote inside. It's personal!....

....and WAAAA LAAAA....BEAUTIFUL!

Just FYI...don't use Milk Chocolate! The chocolate fell off the popcorn! Next time I use something different! Maybe semi-sweet or molding chocolate....might work better.

Prince Charming!

2009-02-13T08:46:00.005-07:00

I know it's Valentine's and all...but I just have to tell my SUPER ROMANTIC Christmas Proposal.

Mr. Man and I had been dating for almost 2 years (we each had 3 young children), when we were invited to tag along with our SIL and BIL, on the Heber Valley Railroad's Polar Express. We were Super excited because we loved the book so much.

When we arrived at the Train Station, it was MAGICAL! We boarded the 'Polar Express', took our seats and waited for the Elves, Mrs. Claus and Santa to join us. As the train started making it's way to the North Pole....two Elves came into our train car....dancing and telling jokes. Then Mrs. Claus handed out freshly baked CHOCOLATE Chip Cookies. Love her. And the Elves served us Hot Cocoa. Love them.

As Santa entered our car, from behind us, our kids got SUPER excited. Santa talked to other children and did a lot of 'Ho, Ho, Ho's'. When he got to us...he talked to our kids for a bit and turned to ME and said, 'I heard you've been a GOOD GIRL'. I just smiled:). He handed Mr. Man a small box. Mr. Man got on one knee and said, 'WILL YOU MARRY ME?'...YES, YES and YES!! INCREDIBLE! Can't put into words how MAGICAL it all was. HUGS and KISSES for Everyone.

I had no idea Mr Man told our kids, they didn't say a thing! And...the whole train station was aware of what was going to happen....LOVE HIM.

Never, in a million years, did I think Prince Charming..really exist!

Laptop in Repair!

2009-02-12T05:15:00.001-07:00

It's so true...You never realize how much you miss something until it's gone! Or, in the repair shop! I had to take, 'Puter, in for some DIAGNOSTICS...a lot of overheating and errors, made me take advantage of the Warranty Mr. Man made me get. I would have saved the $350 for the 3 year warranty and bought handbags. I'm so glad I didn't do that...the handbags would be out of style and I would be buying a NEW 'Puter right now. It took me 4 months to save for this one...well, it took 4 months to sell unneeded items in our home to pay for it! WooHOo! Sooo, I'm totally missing my 'Puter and using Mr. Man's computer for a few days.

Did I tell you I got an iPhone? Oh yes, I did! For my birthday! I'm still getting used to it...so different from Windows! I love the features and how easy it is to add applications. My dyslexic mind loves this type of format! Maybe I'll get a Mac next time I need a laptop? In the meantime...'Puter's not to happy about the Apple stickers that came with my iPhone. I put a big one on the top of 'Puter. Best of both worlds, right? haha.

It's been fun...TTFN!

Hospital Food!!

2009-02-11T01:30:00.002-07:00

I completely forgot to show you my YUMMY meal I had at the hospital. Mr. Man laughed when I took this picture...he said "You gonna put that on your blog?"...YEP!! I was so hungry and because I have Celiac Disease and put on a low fat diet...this was about all I could have. I was bummed at first....until I tasted the salmon. OMG...I've had salmon, at home and restaurants, and this one takes the cake! It was so good! I had Mr. Man taste some...he loves salmon....he was surprised also. The rice was flavorless but yummy with the salmon. All I really wanted was some CHOCOLATE!!

I think I've hit my limit on how many times I can type 'salmon', haha!

Anyway, have you had YUMMY hospital food?

Sassy's Super Finds....

2009-02-10T00:32:00.000-07:00

...more 'WINDOW PANES'..wOOhOO!! This makes 5 panes in my house. For some reason I just love them. Mr. Man just shakes his head when I bring another one home but thankfully he let's me be creative and well, Weird! I loved the clock also..needs a new clock kit, but that's easy!

Now, I just need to find a place for them...hmmm, they would look great in so many places. Should I paint them? What about this....

{picture taken from Inspiring Ideas}

I love this Inspiration Board....I could totally be INSPIRED by this! Get the tutorial HERE! I'm thinking, I just need some cork and linoleum paste to get this job going. Looks like fun, RIGHT? I'll post the 'After' when it's done.

Homemaker Pro #3 Valentine Issue

2009-02-08T23:02:00.008-07:00

Did you know...YOU are a Holiday Coordinator!! It's in your JOB DESCRIPTION, ya know.

So, Today's Edition of HPro is all about Valentine's Day. Make this week great with these cheap and easy ideas for your Sweetheart, kids, etc.

{photo taken from Jeanne Winter's Inspiring Ideas}

What a creative way to say I Love You to your main Squeeze. Very easy to make and inexpensive. Get the tutorial HERE!

{photo taken from Make and Takes}

A easy and fun treat to make with your kids. You can find the tutorial HERE!

{photo taken from Just a Girl}

Teacher's are always asking for Hand Sanitizer...who can blame them, right? Well, this is the cutest way to give them some. I'm so in love with these...Totally creative and sooo darn cute! Get the tutorial HERE!

Holiday weeks are always so busy, so plan out your week well. If your kids are having school parties or handing out Valentine's....get it done early. Trust me. I speak from experience...do it early.

I would love to hear about your Valentine plans....Do you have any traditions for this holiday?

Now...I must find some CHOCOLATE!

I'm a Lucky Winner!

2009-02-08T22:13:00.006-07:00

I entered Life With My 3 Boybarions Giveaway...and Won!!

I'm the lucky winner of a Beautiful Brooch from Kimba's Etsy Shop!

Thanks for the Fun.....LWM3B and Kimba!

I've used 4 Sick Days

2009-02-05T14:36:00.009-07:00

I've had a great time using 4 SICK DAYS! I only get 10 days a year, on my Homemaker Pro Plan...and they don't roll over! Unless, I'm really GOOD! {nuff said!}

Over the last few days, I've been able to lounge around and do nothing. Ohhh, how wonderful it's been! I've watched movies all day with my 2 yo, meals were brought in, carpool was taken care of, Mr. Man made me rest, kids kept the house clean...and I'm TOTALLY Thankful for it all!

To all my family and friends who helped this week, THANK YOU!

Now, that I'm feeling better, I have all these plans to go places.....People to see, Places to go! I've been cooped up in my house for 4 days and I want to be outside. I want to drive my Super SUV. I'm excited to drive my Carpool tomorrow. Did I just say that? I must really need to get out. Tonight is MY, I mean 'our', Date Night....should we go out, should we stay in? Maybe I should 'milk' this MORE? I mean...maybe I should rest up a little more before I venture out with stitches in my belly. I know, I should take it easy a couple more days....I'm making plans for Monday though!!

Just FYI...I'll be posting my Homemaker Pro's Benefit Plan, soon!

Related Posts:

Homemaker Pro #1
Homemaker Pro #2

I'm taking a SICK DAY!! yEA ME!!

2009-02-02T18:22:00.002-07:00

I'm sorry I don't have today's Homemaker Pro post up today. I got sick a couple days ago, went to the hospital yesterday and, what do you know, I had Acute Appendicitis. Lucky for me, I got some Morphine, my Appendix out.. and pictures too.

I will be back tomorrow or the next day.

and the WINNERS are......

2009-01-29T09:21:00.006-07:00

Kristina P.
Kim
Marie
Rachel
Nape

Thanks EVERYONE for entering this 'RAK' giveaway. I had a lot of fun doing it and I hope you TOTALLY LOVE your new Eye Pillows.

My shop on Etsy is under-construction so, if you would like to order a Sassy Eye Pillow...leave a comment or click on 'contact me' in my top menu bar.

Now, I'm off to get my HOUSEWORK done!! It's Thursday you know!

Random Act of Kindness

2009-01-27T13:17:00.015-07:00

I'm a HUGE Fan of Mom It Forward! When I saw the Giveaways they are having, I about flipped! You'll have to go see for yourself! I want the 'Hoodie' myself! :) Do a 'Random Acts of Kindness' to be entered in the Giveaways (go to MIF for details). Sooooo......

I have something for YOU!!!

I'm GIVING these five 'Eye Pillows'...to 5 lovely ladies! Are you excited? I'm totally excited about this. All you need to do:

HomeMaker Pro #2

2009-01-25T20:47:00.009-07:00

In case you didn't notice...I changed the title of this weekly post to 'Homemaker Pro'! I thought it fit more than that other title..whatever it was, can't remember? Hmmm...I must need CHOCOLATE!!! It's really the only way I can function during the day! Anyway...Here's to another week of being a Stay at home Mama!

Now that I'm done blabbering about whatever it was that I was blabbering about! (Must need more CHOCOLATE!)...seriously, what was this post about? Oh yeah...

Homemaker Pro's make their own schedule's.

My most favorite part about being a HPro is..making my own schedule! OH yeah!!! Now this is what I'm talking about! I make my OWN schedule. I decide when appt's will be. I do Grocery Shopping when I want too (I call this, The RUNWAY...a place where MOM's dress up just in case we see another MOM). I'm TOTALLY in love with Mr. Man..aka: Hubby..for giving me this great FREEDOM!

My weekly schedule (it's all subject to change though):

Monday - Recover from the weekend. Laundry!

Tuesday - I schedule almost all Appt's on this day! Makes it easy to remember. NO laundry today! Spend time in my Studio...making fun stuff.

Wednesday - Laundry! OMG!! Laundry!

Thursday - It's CLEANING DAY!! I clean the whole house! Bathrooms, LR, Kitchen, etc.....deep cleaning people! Why? Because it's my Date Night!! (that's another post) No Laundry, maybe a little?!

Friday - The Runway, Light Cleaning, Get ready for the weekend! Make sure Laundry is done...no leftovers for the weekend!

This isn't my whole schedule, of course. We would be here all day if I wrote EVERYTHING I did everyday, as would you! You get the idea though. The best part....I can change it if I want too! Like the part about exercising...I totally took that out after the first week of my schedule. That was about 5 years ago! I should be adding it back to my schedule soon!;)

Homework: Make some kind of schedule for yourself and keep it, for this week at least:). Maybe, I'll work-out this week? hmmm, or NOT!

Last weeks HW: Write a note to your hubby and kids, telling them how much you love them.

Related Post: Homemaker Pro #1

Happy Birthday to ME!!

2009-01-24T14:08:00.003-07:00

Have you heard of Jeff Dunham? He's so funny! We have a couple of his DVD's that we watch, just to laugh! My hubby knows how much I love to laugh and watch Jeff Dunham. Sooooo, for my BIRTHDAY...the other day, he surprised me with tickets to see JD. And guess what?? The date for the show was the next night! He already asked his brother & sis-n-law, to go with us AND got a sitter for our kids. He's so Great! We went and SERIOUSLY...laughed until our tummy's hurt! It was a great Birthday! My kids got me a PINK mouse for the 'Puter and I SCORED an iPHONE!

Here's a clip from one of the DVD's we have...

New Eye Pillows....Just in time for Valentine's Day!

2009-01-20T05:15:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with a new design. And since everyone knows, if you don't you should, I'm a little Sassy. So, I thought it would be appropriate to make something with A LOT of SASSY! I'm pretty sure these are Sassy! Anyway, could you imagine waking up with one of these on...I'm pretty sure your day would start out VERY GOOD!! Who says that a good night sleep doesn't need a very cute ACCESSORY? Good Dreams await you...!

Homemaker Pro #1

2009-01-19T10:56:00.015-07:00

{Update: This post was 'formerly known as'...Joys of Motherhood. I changed it! :)}

{picture courtesy of Picture Me Sassy}

A weekly course about the Joys of Staying Home

I'll start out by saying...How much I LOVE being a Professional Homemaker. It gives me more time to spend with my kids and My Hubby. I have time to learn and teach and grow...everyday! I'm a better person because I have the opportunity to Stay Home with my family. Thank You, My Dear Hubby!

I didn't always feel this way though. I loved working and hated working at different and times in my life. I would feel so good about working, then I just felt ROBBED of time with my family. I felt so torn between my obligations to Family and to Work. A quote made my decision to Stay Home a lot easier...

"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them." -Richard L. Evans

This is true....I tried it!! I asked my kids, when they were complaining about not having what 'ALL' thier friends had. I told them I would go to work so they could have those things. Immediately, they shouted NO! I rest my case!

So, in the weeks to come...I will be sharing what I think about being a Professional Homemaker!

For today, I will tell you....Being a PH is something YOU GET to do, not something YOU HAVE to do. There is a big difference. Cherish the time you have with your family and be grateful for it!

Your Homework: Write a note to your hubby and kids, telling them how much you love them.

This is my New Body and New Outfit! Just in time for my BIRTHDAY!

2009-01-14T20:33:00.004-07:00

ME!! by thesassymom
Hopefully with Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, I will be able to fit into this cute little number!

Blog Hop Bail Out!! What? Read more and you'll see!

2009-01-14T13:40:00.006-07:00

Today I was listening to, The Classy Closet Radio Show @ 9am PST, Weekdays! (that's my plug for them) Anyway....three other gals and I are starting a NATION-WIDE Petition, well..maybe not nation-wide but at least BLOG-WIDE...a petition for Bail-Out money for Stay At Home Mom's(SAHM's), Working Dad's, Singles, Grandparents..you get the idea. We feel, if the PORN people, and the Banks, and Car people...can ask for a BAIL OUT, then why shouldn't we. I mean, really...who needs a B.O...more than we do? Am I right? Did you get the B.O. part....that must mean all the companies getting B.O. money must STINK!!! You heard me!

So, click on over to Musings of a Military Wife and sign in to Mr. Linky and get HEARD! A official petition is being made as we speak. So, don't wait...this is IMPORTANT!

My partners in THIS wonderful Blog Hop Bail Out:

Musings of a Military Wife @military_mom (twitter)
Moms Most Wanted @mommostwanted (twitter)
Single Mom Claire @singlemomclaire (twitter)

Taken from Musings of a Military Wife

Are you sick and tired of everyone under the sun claiming they need a bail out? Do you wonder what the banks did with all of the funds they were given at the end of last year?

Just think, if the fed’s had given each person in America their “cut” of those funds instead of the banks, where would we be now? How many mom and pop shops would STILL be open, how many homes would still have there families inside?

Do you have a blog? Do you have an opinion? Want to be apart of something? Then join us on 1/20/2009 and have your official #bhbo post ready to publish to your blog on 1/20 with your own Baill Out request for the government.

What is #bhbo? Why it is Blog Hop Bail Out, which was heard first on the Classy Closet via blog talk just this morning (1/14) hosted by ClassyJen and SugarJones.

#bhbo wants you and your blog. Get to drafting your official request for a bail out from the government. Make it good, make it fun, but make it #bhbo.

More information coming soon……for now I must #bhbo on Twitter

Chair Jenga!! A NEW Family Night Tradition!

2009-01-13T12:54:00.003-07:00

You may be wondering what we were doing last night...well, I'll tell ya! We played 'Chair Jenga' with our kids. Some of the kids wore hats on their heads in case the chairs fell. Such smart little people! Anyway, it was my hubby's idea...I guess he played this type of 'Jenga' in college. Hmmm, I thought he was studying? We took turns adding different pieces of furniture to the pile and not one piece fell. Thank goodness, my tiny black table was in there!

An inch from the ceiling...that's TALENT!!

All the chairs are up, now onto the stools...OMG, so FUN!

Posing,
for the Camera!

Hard Hats, Please!!

Check out The Lazy Organizer for more Talk About Tuesday!

My Workspace!! In the Morning!!

2009-01-09T12:50:00.008-07:00

Two posts in One Day...WooHoo!! I was writing this one when I got my AWARD from Jen!

This is how every morning should look. A piece of Chocolate Cake to eat, 'Puter to get my work done, paper & pen for notes and my HANDBAG to look at for inspiration!! I know, I'm nuts...Did you expect anything less? btw, I don't know why the lower pic is blurry? I'll talk to my Photographer, Picture Me Sassy...to make sure MY other photos don't have this problem AGAIN!!

Now, go eat some Chocolate Cake and Be Happy!!

The 'Honest Scrap Award' for ME!!!

2009-01-09T09:36:00.004-07:00

*******************************************

I got an Award from Jen over at Keep It Classy. Just so you know...She's my NEW BFF!! Haha! No, really!! She has a Wonderful Radio Show every weekday at 10am, You can listen HERE! And she's the proud Lady behind the Classy Closet Social Network...I'm a member, are YOU? Okay, okay...moving on.....

Anyway, the rules go like this:

Honorees are to list 10 honest things about themselves - and make it interesting! Second, we are to pass the award on to 7 bloggers we feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

Ten things About Me:

1. If my hair is curled...most likely I didn't get a shower that day!!
2. I buy ALL my home furnishing Second Hand (Yard Sales)!
3. Chocolate IS my BFF, sorry Jen!! I should buy stock in See's Candy!
4. I, RUN! around the house cleaning...for more time on my 'Puter! Not Kidding!
5. Don't like Exercise unless I'm using MY Wii Fit!
6. Love my over-sized SUV, 10 miles a gallon and I still love it!
7. I'm SO Lucky to be a SAHM!! Thanks honey, You're my HERO!!!
8 A Handbag A Day...is my MOTTO!! My other BFF's....so sorry Jen!
9. In my kitchen is a CANDY MACHINE, it takes quarters!! I have the key! :)
10. I LOVE having my NAILS done by my sister!

Seven Blogger's that deserve this AWARD!!

Elsa Beauty
Life With My 3 Boybarians
The Lazy Organizer
Pulsipher Predilections
Little Window Shoppe
Utah Brown's
The Hellwig's

Nesting Place, A Wreath and The Repentance Bench!

2009-01-07T19:25:00.010-07:00

One of my favorite blogs has to be 'Nesting Place'. I love her style and the way she talks, types...you know what I mean. I've gone through several of her posts and have taken notes, Seriously!! These pictures are from two of her posts....One of them is the layout of the pic's with the mirror, you can find it HERE! The other, is the WREATH!! Oh, how I love this Wreath! She shows how to make it out of faux fur and a straw wreath. Brilliant! You can see how HERE!

Did you notice a picture is missing in one of the frames....opps!! Forgot to move the pic's down and put my hubby and I in the top one. I'll do it soon, I hope!?

Oh, and one more thing!!!!....This is our Church Pew I found in the Classifieds. I painted it RED! And...it's been named the "Repentance Bench" haha!! No, Seriously!! That's what we call it.

That's all for today...I'm off to start on NEW project and hopefully finish it by the end of the year!!

Digital Scrapbooking, I'm hooked!

2009-01-05T14:03:00.009-07:00

{btw, I took the pic myself...what a photographer I am}

My very 1st 'Diggi Scrapper' page...I'm very happy with it! It only took me over an hour and whoo-hoo, all done!! I'm hoping to get VERY fast at this, my goal: 5 an hour!! Because I have SOOO much TIME to spend on this!! Anyway, much easier and cleaner than paper scrapbooking too!

Check out PickleBerryPop to get your own FREE Starter Pack!! The pieces I used are from the FREE pack!! You're excited, aren't you? Okay, gotta RUN, well not literally...as if anyone could IMAGINE me RUNNING! nOT pRETTY!!

I had a WONDERFUL Christmas!!

2008-12-27T21:48:00.007-07:00

{like my picture of Little Boss...I retouched it with Photoshop?}

The last few days have been so fun. Christmas Eve was spent with my hubby's family. We had a blast playing games and EATING! Yes, I was able to eat almost everything there. The Clam Chowder and most of the appetizers were Gluten Free. I wasn't able to eat the yummy desserts though. Are you feeling sorry for me yet? That's okay, I feel sorry for myself enough for both of us! I'm getting better at the whole "Celiac" thing. I don't get as upset anymore. I just eat a lot of what I can have. Just so you know, that hasn't been good on my FIGURE!

Back to my Christmas....less about my FIGURE!

Christmas morning was Wonderful! I'll tell you why.....On Christmas Eve, morning...I wrapped everything, made the biscuits and gravy for Christmas breakfast ( I thought my kids would like breakfast to go very fast, so I was planning on warming everything up) and the house was clean (sorta of). So when Christmas morning arrived, I was prepared! Or not! We woke up to the POWER OUT! No power, heat, Nada, nothing, etc. So we made the best of it....good thing our stove is GAS, so we heated our food (because I'm a GENIUS for making it ahead of time) and planned on going down to the basement to open presents. One problem, No light in the basement! No windows ....hmmmm, Candles? We got the lanterns out and the candles and headed down to the basement, when all of the sudden...the LIGHTS CAME ON! Surprisingly, we were disappointed. Who would have thought?

The rest of the day was so fun, we got so much snow and never made it to my family for Christmas....but we had a great time spending the day together. Our kids were happy with what they got and we were relieved! haha! A very, MERRY CHRISTMAS, it was.

One more thing....I must have been a GOOD girl this year or Santa really knows ME!? Either way, I got exactly what I wanted. Wii Fit and Photoshop Elements, love it! Santa must know about my figure too :(....haha, just kidding! Did you see my picture up top? I did that! Can you believe it? It's amazing what you can do with a great program.

How was your Holiday?....

Christmas at Gardner Village

2008-12-22T12:40:00.005-07:00

If you live in the Salt Lake City Area, you've probably heard about Gardner Village. It's a Wonderful place to shop, dine and feed ducks. We go as often as we can, mostly for the pony rides in the summer. One of my favorite shops is Pine Needles...a Quilt and Embroidery Shop. Amazing fabric, I could spend all day there..and sometimes do!

During the Christmas season, Gardner Village is covered with Elves. I took as many pictures of them, with out getting out of the car. As you can see, it was snowing and my car was toasty warm. Enjoy the pictures...

Sex Abuse Has Life-Long Effects!!!

2008-12-21T15:57:00.001-07:00

I've had an overwhelming response to my post about Sex Abuse. Thank You to those who shared your stories.

While I read through the comments and emails, I thought about how things would be different, if SA didn't exist. What would it be like?..No worrying about our children being fondled. No confronting the Perp and being blamed for the destruction of your family. No courtroom, police, Dr. exams., counseling or feeling unworthy. Just happy kids with loving hearts. What a Wonderful World It Would Be! Don't our kids deserve to live 'WORRY FREE'?

One email sticks out to me...I have asked this person for permission to post her story. I must warn you, it's not for all to read, please use caution if young children are present. Also, if you leave a comment, PLEASE...Only Positive Ones.

********************************************************

Anonymous

"If you don't want to read it, you don't have to, but I included it. I warn you, its not pretty. But it is a truth that can save another child from the horror I went through. I didn't include any of the actual attack details because it is to painful to recollect, just my life story and the effects.

My attacker was my mother's blood father. My grandmother had divorced him when my mom was young. My mom thought when I was born it was a good time to reconnect with him. Soon he was always visiting my mom & aunt and then babysitting me.

That's when it started. I don't remember the start exactly, it just seemed like it was always there. I remember kicking and screaming to not go there but he watched me on weekends so Mom could have a break. When I came forward at 7, it was first to my mom and aunt. They spanked me and punished me for talking about their father that way. I told a counselor at school and they called my mom & when she said I was lying and there was no way it happened, I got suspended from school for making up such a terrible thing. I told another Aunt on my Dad's side that watched me after school and she started laughing asking "where do you get this sh@#?" And thinking it must have been from television, she grounded me from watching TV at her house for years.

The next weekend I went to HIS house my Mom told HIM what I had said. He had family from his wife's side over and they all had a good laugh about it. Sadly, after everyone left there was only me and him left (His wife would go into her room and shut the door. I'm sure she knew, but was scared too) The abuse got extremely worse at that point.

I continued to tell my mom what was happening. I continued getting punished for saying it. My aunt stopped coming over with my cousins because she said I was a nasty little liar and she didn't want her kids exposed to that. I wasn't allowed to play with the kids in the neighborhood either, when their parents heard. Most of the adults knew each other and mom's dad since it was such a small community. I was a liar and was not to be trusted.

Finally when I was 9, I got up the courage to tell my Dad & Grandmother. My grandmother freaked out and called my mom saying she was taking me from her (I guess she divorced him for a good reason). My Dad agreed with Granny that Mom wasn't doing a good job with me and that I was telling the truth. Mom fought with them to keep me, telling them I was a liar, why do they believe me? Granny told her if she tried to take her to court Social Services would probably take me and my brother away. So then I lived with Granny. Life was finally good but I was scared to bring the issue back up. Granny never mentioned it again, so I didn't either.

We moved when I was 13 and that's when I decided I couldn't take it anymore and started walking to the counselor. I forged mom's handwriting on a note saying she was aware I was coming, but couldn't leave work. They either believed it, or just knew I needed help so they didn't question it. It was so nice to finally talk about what had happened. I started to feel a weight lifted from my chest.

Meanwhile, I had gotten my period around 12 and by 14 was bleeding way too much and often. Granny thought and actually told me she worried it may be from the abuse. So she got me an appointment with a gyno and told my mom she would need her to go with us. Granny had looked at my privates when I first came to live with her so she must have known then, there was evidence. When he did the exam and questioned me if I was sexually active or abused. Mom burst into tears. Granny told the Doctor that I had in fact been abused. The doctor did extra tests and discovered I had tears inside & out, I was scared on the outside and I had a strain of abnormal cell HPV that can some times lead to cancer. I couldn't believe that I was only 14 and had a sexually transmitted virus. In my mind I had never had sex. It was strange to try to comprehend in my mind.

We went home that night and my mom & dad came over to Granny's. We were discussing our options how to notify police and get me help, my mother was apologizing over and over. I don't think she stopped crying from the time we were at the doctor. The phone rang & it was my aunt. She had just got a call from the hospital, their Dad had collapsed at work and died of a heart attack, but were going to do an autopsy because they saw puncture wounds in his arms that looked like needles. Granny told her she needed to come over. They explained what had happened to me and she started crying and apologizing as well.

We told the police what happened. Even though he was already gone. Autopsy results came back about 2 months later from that night that he had prostate cancer that had spread throughout his body. He also had AIDS. They are pretty sure he contacted it from needles AFTER he abused me, but they could not be sure. They rushed me to the hospital and tested me for AIDS & HIV. They were negative, however I had developed 3 lesions on my cervix they worried about. They removed them and found them to be high in the cancer forming cells. They told me I would have had cancer. Now, even not being abused, I may have still develope this because it may have been part genetics (still his blood) but there was no way to tell.

I still go for Pap smears and HIV tests every 6 months. I got pregnant with my son with nothing short of a miracle. I worry every day, what if I do have HIV? What if he gets it? What if I get the cancer cells again?

Another effect of sexual abuse in me: In high school I started thinking to like myself, I had to sleep with every guy I liked. I had 15 partners until I met my husband when I was 18. My husband told me he liked me but wanted to get to know me before we slept together. I couldn't understand that. After we dated for a month I got very upset because I didn't understand....if he said he liked me, why didn't he want to sleep with me? I told him my life story. He grabbed me and held me and kissed my forehead. He told me he didn't want to sleep with me because he loved me and respected me. We went to counseling together. He had to teach me what being in a real relationship was suppose to be. He had to teach me that what I thought, was not normal. I am 24 and we have been married now 5 years. We have a beautiful, loving, sharing, perfect relationship. But I still have problems with accepting that he loves me and thinks I'm pretty all the time, whether we have sex or not.

I stopped eating when I was a kid and sometimes still "forget to eat." I have HORRIBLE self esteem. The only time I've ever thought I was beautiful was during my pregnancy.

****************************************************************

I know this post was long and I appreciate You for reading it. Please help us, STOP Sex Abuse!"

I've been Nominated for a Shorty Award...Thank You Aloha Arleen!

2008-12-19T21:54:00.002-07:00

I was nominated by Aloha Arleen for a Shorty Award. Thank You! Please vote for me HERE!

After you vote, don't forget to VOTE, please visit Arleen's site. So much info, so little time. I'll be spending a lot of time over there. Not that I need to learn a ton, just a little...maybe more than a little, FINE...I need it bad...more the better! So..fly, hop, walk, surf or run over to her site.

Christmas Cookie Swap... Thrifty @ Chic Mom

2008-12-17T19:11:00.003-07:00

I love cookies! Well, I actually love to MAKE cookies more than I like to EAT them. But, since I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease....I haven't had a real cookie! It's been 3 weeks of pure cravings for something doughy and yummy! So, I made these GLUTEN-FREE Chocolate Chip Cookies. Are you excited? I just used some GF All-Purpose flour, to a CCC recipe, I'll be buying that more often, just not to share with anyone. The 1lb bag is $6! Anyway, go to Thrifty & Chic Mom to post your own cookies.

Here's the recipe:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs,beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix sugar, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs in a large bowl by hand. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. The dough will be very stiff. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans if desired. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown. The centers will be soft. Let cool completely then remove from cookie sheet.

Back-Up Your Blog!!!! Seriously!

2008-12-17T16:14:00.003-07:00

I never thought my blog would be GONE! When I say gone, I mean Deleted...by ME! I didn't even know a blog could be deleted. I soon found out on a very SAD day in November. I was preparing for Darcy, from Graphically Designing, to do my BLOG MAKE-OVER, when I accidentally deleted it. A whole year of blogging, GONE! No trace of it anywhere. All my thoughts and writings were gone. I didn't know what to do, my old blog url, The Sassy Mom was/is unusable (btw, does anyone know how to link my old url to my new url?). I sat a my 'puter speechless. Darcy emailed, she was ready to get started. I had to tell her what happened and start a new blog. So that's how The Sassy Mom Shoppe came to life.

I strongly recommend backing up your blog. What would YOU do if your blog was GONE? Were would you start, how would you tell everyone who links to you?

Please find a site to backup your blog. You can get a free account through Blog Backup Online or click my button.

This has been my Works For Me Wednesday 'TIP'...find more HERE!

What's on Your To Do List?

2008-12-17T13:23:00.004-07:00

{this is me and my hubby...getting away}

I have several lists of things to do. I just can't get them organized in my head. I'm all mushy with so much on my plate. Should I take a much needed bath or keep pushing through? That is the ?. I choose the bath!

Okay, now for a reality check.....here's my list:

Take a road trip with Prince Charming, in a new RED Honda Accord Coupe..ok, ok..I'll stop dreaming!

finish buying stocking stuffers
buy See's Candy (Gluten-Free, btw) for 'some' people, i can't say who, because they read this blog.
buy presents for Prince Charming...what to get a Prince who has everything, Me! 'nough said!
bake, I don't really want to...but my kids are making me...haha, just kidding. i have a divinity recipe to die for.
wash car, can't be seen with a dirty car:)
clean house, it's a Christmas tradition.
wrap, wrap, wrap...we have seven kids, you do the math;)
hire a maid, so i can take that bath!
a nanny, too! i really need a bath!
enjoy myself and relax

What's on your Holiday List? Do you need a maid also?

I've had ENOUGH!! Sexual Abuse has to STOP!

2008-12-16T09:41:00.010-07:00

A 9-year-old girl wrote to Santa Claus asking that a relative stop touching her and her sister. You can read the story on KSL. When will abusers get a clue and knock it off. You have to be a WIMP to abuse a child, or anyone for that matter! Also, in my opinion, anyone who knows someone who is being abused and does nothing, should be charged for the crime.

{This is my short story about my kids SA...}

When we found out that, 5 of our seven children, were being SA...we felt as low as a person can feel. Words cannot describe how horrible we felt. Our kids were supposed to trust us and be able to tell us everything. We were supposed to be their SAFE place. Unfortunately, our children felt like they would be making things worse if they did tell. And, they were told not to tell! People are sick!

I can remember the night our kids told us. It's a scare in my brain that will always be there. One by one, my kids came to me and told me of the things that were happening to them. When one child stopped talking another started. I remember sitting at our dining room table, listening, for what seemed to be hours. Trying to hold in the tears and reassure them that I would protect them and I would stop it! They told me of details, that only a sexually abused child would now. I used to call it a 'waterfall of horror', but that's to nice. When I thought they were done, one of my sons came to me and said, "I tried to tell you, mom"....after talking to him for a minute, I realized he had tried to tell me TWICE! I have never forgiven myself for this....I'm not sure I will or can.

After telling my husband, we decided to take care of the situation and PROTECT them. And that we have! The perp has no contact with them. This has caused problems in our family. Family get togethers aren't the same and it seems to be our fault. Oh, well! Not worried about what other people think. I only care about what is good for my kids. I want them to know they can trust us.

It's been years since this happened to my kids but the scares are there. It seems that the perp's go through the courts, rehab or whatever but the victims are forever changed.

KIDS WHO TELL, ARE HERO'S.....and SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE A HERO!

SIGNS, my kids had, OF SEXUAL ABUSE (you can find more here):

mood swings
bowels problems
eating disorders
temper tantrums
self-hate
touching themselves
fear
fear of the dark
crying episodes
anxiety
weight gain
weight lose
separation anxiety
aggressive behavior
withdrawal
mood swings

If you think your child is being SA, please...STOP IT and PROTECT THEM! Most of the time, a family member is the Abuser. Don't be afraid to stand up for your child, they need you to. You wouldn't want your child to write a letter to Santa, asking for help....!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Fudge....Yummy!

2008-12-15T14:00:00.009-07:00

{Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Fudge...from Hold The Gluten}

{Just a HUGE THANK YOU, to Pulsipher Predilections, for her Great shout-out....on YOURS TRULY and my Etsy Shop! Go check her out, I mean check her site out...she's SOOO FUNNYand SMART! Kristina, your check is in the mail:)}

Onto the Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Fudge, from HOLD THE GLUTEN!...I can't say enough about this recipe, although I haven't tried it yet, I know it's Fabulous. How could it NOT be? It's FUDGE, people!

Hold the Gluten has become one of my FAVORITE Gluten-Free sites to look at and read. So many resources and recipes, I could get lost for hours on her site. Not to mention all the GF blogs she has in her sidebar. Holy Cow, it's a one-stop shop for Celiacs. I know, I know...you wish you had Celiac too. Actually, you don't, but...going GF is VERY healthy! Did you know that? I didn't! I'm very happy to say, that Celiac has forced me to eat BETTER! I don't want to admit it but I was a FAST FOOD junkie a couple months ago. Daily and sometimes more than daily. Make sense, good! I would crave it and do my errands to get what FF I wanted. Now, that seems so gross to me!

I'm not happy about having Celiac but I'm thankful for the wake-up call. I was told that Celiac is the healthiest disease you can have. Or, at least, one of them.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Getting used to Celiac Disease!

2008-12-11T13:34:00.008-07:00

When I was surfing today...for more Celiac HELP! I came across this picture. I thought, well...that just about sums it up! Anything with wheat, barley, rye and oats is not for ME! Then I wondered how Christmas was going to be. Here comes the pity party....no pumpkin pie? Dang! No homemade rolls! I guess I will eat ALL the CANDY CANES then...haha!

There is hope...I found a store called AGAINST THE GRAIN, if you live in the SLC area. It's a GF Store, and I mean GF....not one item has gluten. Praise GF:) I bought several items to try and I have to say, they aren't bad. It's been two weeks since my diagnoses and, I think, my taste buds are adjusting. I found some cookies that sounded so yummy, so I bought them! My kids tried them...and tried to say they liked them. But the cookie in the garbage with one bit out of it, gave it away. I don't blame them...I would have a YUMMY Chocolate Chip Cookie instead of GF. But, I'm on a mission to find a GF CCC that tastes just like the regular ones. Even if I have to blend flour myself!

If you know a CCC recipe that's GF and you want me to try it.....email it to me! I will try it, post the results and the recipe on my blog. So, I need your help! It's been two weeks since, maybe longer...I've had a CCC cookie. I'm going through withdrawels!

Wow....I Was Featured on Tip Junkie!

2008-12-10T19:15:00.005-07:00

Check out Tip Junkie....yours truly is there!

I feel so HONORED to be featured over there....it's one of my favorite blogs. I guess it helped that I submitted my tutorial a couple weeks ago. Or, they think I'm soooo talented! So, go check it out and don't forget to look at ALL the other GREAT IDEAS.

I'm a 'TIP JUNKIE'....haha, I crack myself up....sometimes!?!

Venting on Celiac!!

2008-12-09T16:33:00.005-07:00

{What a cute little birdie....haha!}

I was feeling sorry for myself because I can't have the food I want. Silly, right?!!! Sounds like one of my kids complaining about their food. It's just the 'realness' of Celiac has finally set in and it's getting on my Nerves!! Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for what I do have...because I know it could have been worse. I just haven't figured out how to deal with it, day to day. I've had to take my own dinners a couple times in the last week...to family parties, and that's bothering me!

I know tomorrow will be a better day, or maybe tonight when PC gets home 'nough said about that!

Anyway, THANKS for listening to me VENT on Celiac...I'll get more positive, until then....I'll eat my almonds.

Are You Spreading Holiday CHEER?

2008-12-09T10:30:00.007-07:00

Last night, Jyl from Mommy Gossip GNO, came over and we put stickers on CANDY CANES to hand out to people who are in need of some, HOLIDAY CHEER! Sounds fun, I know....we are so creative!

Soooooo, what are YOU going to DO, to spread HOLIDAY CHEER?

Handbag GiveAway.... Mission: Monday

2008-12-08T09:22:00.003-07:00

Do you want to enter a GREAT giveaway? Well, then you'll have to hop on over to
Halftime Lessons and ENTER! You won't want to miss this one, because one of my 'Mommy Bags' is the PRIZE! Aren't you excited? I am! So, what are you waiting for? Go check it out.....and HAVE FUN!

Mommy Gossips GNO Random Acts of Kindness

2008-12-05T16:29:00.003-07:00

Mommy Gossip has challenged everyone to do a Random Act of Kindness this week, so we did it! We baked cookies and delivered them to an elderly neighbor. I wish I would have grabbed a picture or two, but since I can't eat them....I wanted them out of the house FAST! My kids had so much fun and it made a HUGE difference to our neighbor.
Thanks Mommy Gossip for the CHALLENGE!

Celiac Disease.....and ME! Part 2

2008-12-05T09:24:00.005-07:00

I know, I know...more Celiac NEWS?

I was so excited, last night, when I got the mail. There was a LARGE envelope with my name on it. I knew who it was from so I tore it open, actually I used the scissors, but still! Inside I found a large packet...when I say large, I mean, 75 pages large. There's a lot of info in this 'little' packet. I wanted to share some info with you, you and you.

1. I didn't know this, Celiac is a lifelong autoimmune intestinal disorder. LIFELONG! I guess, I'll have this for a while, RIGHT? So, it means, the digestive system stops working properly when you eat GLUTEN! And, if you didn't know what GLUTEN is...it's wheat, rye, barley and oats. And, there's no CURE! bummer.

2. If you eat foods containing gluten, the damage to your intestines can become life threatening and may put you at risk for other immune diseases. Okay, okay...I won't eat it, even though I really want to!

3. Celiac affects 1 out of 133 people in the US. Anyone a math nut, who can figure that out? I would but my brain is in 'GLUTEN STARVATION' right now and I can't think.

4. The symptoms, for an adult: feeling tired, irritable....okay, wait a minute. Aren't those symptoms the same as MOTHERHOOD! I thought so. For more symptoms click HERE.

5. Celiac IS treatable with the RIGHT foods. I know this because for the last three nights, Prince Charming has come home with YUMMY FOOD I can eat. The HOMEMADE mashed potatoes he made last night were soooo good.

For more info on Celiac Sprue Disease...Celiac Sprue Association

Related Posts:

Celiac Disease....and ME!
Clear Fluids for ME today!

Celiac Disease.....and ME!

2008-12-03T12:36:00.007-07:00

{these look so yummy!}

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease yesterday...not exactly what I wanted to hear, but I won't complain, much! I kind of knew for the last week, we were just waiting for RESULTS from the biopsy.

If you're not familiar with Celiac, count your blessings....haha! Basically, it means I can't EAT wheat, barley, rye or oats. What's left? In my opinion...NOTHING! Did you know 'SWEDISH FISH' have gluten in them!?! That does not make me HAPPY!

I have to tell you....it's a very difficult diet to follow! But, I have done so good, for the last 24 hours! Right now, I'm in the mood for anything with BREAD. My kids said just eat it! I would, except....my body attacks itself if I do. What's up with that? Who told my body that fighting was OKAY? Well, it wasn't ME! I'm totally protesting this disease. I know, it won't work....but I wish it could!

So the only thing to do.....DEAL WITH IT and BE THANKFUL it wasn't something worse.

My HUBBY's support is making this MUCH EASIER...he brought home several things for me to eat last night. Did not like the rice bread, though! So, I ate a YAM with BROWN SUGAR and CINNAMON. Very Yummy! His support will get me through my cravings.

I'll be adding items to my Gluten-Free list (right sidebar)....if you know of foods that are gluten-free, let me know and I'll list them.

Related Post

25 Days Until Christmas

2008-12-01T16:38:00.004-07:00

Can you believe there's ONLY 25 days until Christmas. I'm really in SHOCK! I usually have ALL my shopping done by October and here it is December 1st. What have I been doing with ALL my spare time, you ask? Well, I've been going to the SPA and getting my NAILS done. A few trips to the mall and a BRUNCH or two, or three...maybe four...okay, FIVE! Anyway, I just haven't had time to go shopping for anyone else but ME! And now it's almost Christmas.....there's only one thing to do! STOP WHINING and THINK OF OTHERS! I couldn't have said it better myself.

So here's the plan:

1. Have Brunch with Mommy Gossip and Pulsiper Predilections and talk about SERVICE projects we can do. I know, another brunch....but this one was to plan fun ways to help others. Are you so PROUD of me? These two gals were so much fun and..have you seen their blogs? You really need to click on over and check out their blogs. I was a little intimadated. But so excited to talk with adults and eat FOOD! By the way, we made plans for some great SERVICE PROJECTS! Christmas spirit, here I come.

2. Make cookies for FHE and drop them off at a neighbors house....after we ring the doorbell and run off. That's not considered doorbell ditching, is it? I don't think so. I mean....how could it be, we're giving YUMMY cookies to them, right?

3. Go shopping for my LITTLE PEOPLE. I have such great ideas for them. To bad my ideas aren't the same as what's on their list.

4. Spend time with my WONDERFUL HUBBY! He's the best, ya know!

5. HAVE FUN!!!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas {by Heather}

2008-11-28T09:36:00.005-07:00

One of our Thanksgiving Traditions each year is helping my mother-in-law decorate for Christmas. I love doing this! It's gets me SO excited to decorate my own house! There's nothing like Christmas decorations to get you in the mood for the holidays. :)

Mom has a lot of collections and each year group them together:

Santas in the kitchen

Reindeer in the dining room

Nativities in the living room

And snowmen in the family room.

We also had fun dressing up the rest of the house. Here are some pretty simple ways to create a festive feeling.

Fill a pretty bowl or vase with ornaments and surround it with greenery.

Pretty beads, greenery, and a cardinal dress up this pretty candle stand.

No matter what you do to dress up your house for Christmas, make sure you surround yourself with beautiful decor and, of course, the people you love!

{Heather}

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU, YOU and YOU!

2008-11-26T22:50:00.007-07:00

{oh, happy thanksgiving....i'm so glad you're HERE!}

Doesn't this CANDY look Fan'TAB'ulous? That's a new word for Me! DO YOU LIKE IT? Today is one of my Favorite Days. The whole day is dedicated to being THANKFUL....and spending time with family, friends and eating yummy food. What could be better?

I have a lot to be Thankful for.....my family is Amazing! We have a roof over our heads, job, clothes, shoes, food and millions of other things to be GRATEFUL for. I'm so thankful to have this day to remember how WONDERFUL everything is. How BLESSED we are, not only to have family and great food, but that we live in a world where we can HELP each other. Reach out to one another and lift others UP with a simple HELLO! How wonderful is that?!

{Another reason to be THANKFUL}

I promised an update about my health. You can read about some of it HERE!

The procedure on Monday went well. There is some concern about Celiac though. I had a biopsy done and we should find out Monday if I have Celiac Disease or not. I'm hoping for NO, but it looks like it's a possibility. I'll have another blood test to see for sure. One of the symptoms of this disease is UNEXPLAINED ANEMIA. And, I have that, for SURE! I have to look at the Bright Side, ya know!

All I can say about my HEALTH is.....I will have FAITH!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Hello! {by Carol}

2008-11-26T09:33:00.010-07:00

Hi there! My name is Carol. Kristin is my sister-in-law and she asked me to be a contributor on her blog. Exciting! Actually I'm a little nervous. lol Kristin has this beautiful blog and she has no problem deciding what to post about. I, on the other hand, have a hard time deciding what to blog about. But I'll do my best! :)

This year for Thanksgiving, we're going to my mother-in-law's for Thanksgiving. She has a HUGE shindig and we always have tons of fun. This year there's going to be close to 50 people there! And they all aren't even related to us. I love it!! Mom has asked us to bring a dessert and casserole so I thought I would share with you what I plan on bringing. I'm not doing anything fancy. I thought for my casserole I would do a comfort food. My husband isn't a big turkey lover so I chose his favorite casserole, homemade macaroni and cheese. Like I said, it's not fancy but it's a great comfort food. :) And the best thing about this recipe is that you can make it ahead! I love that! As for the recipe, here ya go!

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
1. Heat oven to 350ºF.
2. Cook macaroni as directed on package.
3. While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
4. Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

For my dessert I think I'm going to take Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe is so easy! I love it...

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 Spice cake mix
1 15oz pumpkin pie filling
2 c. chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix all ingredients.
3. Drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let sit on cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes then cool on cookie rack.

~Carol

Christmas Package with Caramel Tutorial {by The Sassy Mom}

2008-11-25T11:59:00.018-07:00

Wanna know how to make 6 these? Well, here you go......

You will need:

Caramel
Wax Paper
6 - 8"x 8" pieces of cardstock
Double-sided Tape
Ribbon - 54 inches
Labels or Sticker Paper

1. Make Caramel...This recipe is REALLY easy. It's from Betty Crocker....so it has to be easy, RIGHT? Just don't forget to calibrate your thermometer or you'll get stuck with 2 BATCHES of HARD caramel. {recipe is at the end of this post}

2. Cut wax paper in small rectangles, 2"x 3". Cut caramel into 1"x 1" squares. You can change sizes depending on how big or small you want them. I did them very small! Don't worry, my KIDS washed their hands.

3. Get you some 8"x 8" colored cardstock and some double-sided tape....and roll your paper to make a CONE. Easy enough.....make sure tape is sealed so it doesn't come apart.

4. Now, fill with your YUMMY candy. See the jar on the left of the picture....it was FULL of CARAMEL! My kids did such a great job! Oh yea, The chief helped too!

5. After all your CONES are filled, fold the top down like an envelope.

6. Cut 6 - 6 inch pieces of ribbon. Make a loop at the top and use your trusty sticky tape to hold it down. Sorry, I did not take a picture of how to fold it. Once the ribbon is on, place your label or sticker over the ribbon.

7. I'm to cheap to buy labels, so I made some out of sticker paper I had. I cut a design out of card stock and traced it onto the paper. After I cut them out, I wrote "Sweet Wishes" with a brush pen.

WA LA! There done! Yummy too!

Did you think I forgot about your RECIPE?

Betty Crocker Caramels

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 cups whipping (heavy) cream
3/4 cup light corn syrup

1. Grease bottom and sides of square baking dish, 8x8x2 or 9x9x2 inches, with butter.

2 Heat all ingredients to boiling in heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook about 35 minutes, stirring frequently, to 245* F on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into cup of very cold water forms a firm ball that holds its shape until pressed. Immediately spread in baking dish. Cool completely, about 2 hours.

3. Cut into 8 rows by 8 rows, using kitchen scissors or sharp knife. Wrap individually in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Store wrapped candies in airtight container at room temperature.

Want more great ideas? Go visit The Lazy Organizer for Talk About Tuesday.

Clear Fluids for ME today

2008-11-23T13:06:00.008-07:00

{Clear fluids for ME today, looks good RIGHT?}

I haven't talk about my health on my blog....until today. Only because I like to keep things light-hearted and FUN! I'm a Glass Half Full kind of GAL! I mean really, why waste time worrying about something you can't change? Never give up, I say!

Anyway, as I was saying.....over the last year I had been feeling very tired with shortness of breath and nausea. I just thought I was a busy mother and needed more sleep....and to eat better (I used to be a FAST FOOD JUNKIE!, not anymore). My skin was getting pale and my brain was on slow mo'.

In August this year, I started taking my health more seriously. When I was treated for SEVERE Anemia and an H.Pylori Ulcer. I found out about the bleeding ulcer after vomiting (I'm know, more than you wanted to know). After going to the Dr., I started medication for the ulcer and iron for the anemia (3 pills a day, did I say...I was severely anemic).

A month later, I was feeling worse. I was getting groceries with my girls and on the way out of the store...I blacked-out. I didn't faint, just blacked-out for a second or two. I was nervous to drive home but I made it okay. I knew it was because of a low blood level....and I needed to get to the doctors the next day. I got into the doctor's and could hardly talk to her. I was so out of it! I do remember her asking, how much protein I eat? We discovered I rarely eat protein, that's another story. After her examination she did a finger prick to see were my blood level was ....it was 7.4, a month earlier it was 7.8 (an average woman is 12). She told me to go to the E.R. and get a transfusion STAT (E.R. talk)!

Long story short....I had the transfusion and my blood level was raised to 11.7....I only now that because I had to go to the E.R. the next night with a blood clot in my arm, from the I.V. An inch and a half long blood clot. Can you beat that?

A month later, I was at the Dr's again with an ear infection (or so, I thought). No infection...a finger prick in stead! My blood level was 11.4. What? Why is it going down? I had been taking iron, drinking protien shakes (no fast food)....what was going on? She told me to make an appointment with a Hematologist and find out why my blood has ATTITUDE! So I did....she took blood, for more tests...AND sent me to have an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy (more info you didn't want to know). Just to find out if there is any internal bleeding, polyps, or a little vampire sucking my blood. Haha, funny!

That brings me to today.

I sit here typing, the day before my DOUBLE (Endo and Colon). While my family attends church and I drink as much fluid as possible. I'm humbled by the love of my Heavenly Father, Husband, Children and Family. For their concern and love for me. Whatever is found tomorrow or if they grab that nasty vampire, I will have FAITH!

P.S. I've discovered that eating HEALTHY is very IMPORTANT!

P.S.S I won't be back here for a few days.....so eat right and sleep tight! (I made that up myself)

BYU and UTAH UTES FOOTBALL GAME

2008-11-22T08:44:00.005-07:00

Are you a Utah Utes fan or a BYU fan?

Our family is DIVIDED, right down the middle! Soooo, what's a mother to do? Throw a PARTY! I'll keep you posted on our "B Y Ute's" PARTY!

Introductions and House Tour { by heather}

2008-11-21T12:22:00.011-07:00

Hello! My name is Heather and I am a new contributor to the Sassy Mom Shoppe (depending on how this one goes, of course!). Kristen is a dear friend of mine (practically family!) and I am excited to be able to add to all the fun here. I will be occasionally posting about decorating and cooking - my two favorite subjects! ~ Disclaimer - this is a rather lengthy post, but I promise to do better in the future!! ~

To me, your home is a living organism, a part of the family. As you and your children grow and change, your house should too. My home is constantly in a state of flux; I’m always thinking of what I want to change, what I need to fix, and what I need to finish! With that disclaimer, I’m ready to begin my house tour.

We closed on our house on December 31, 2005 and were moved in by the end of February. Built around 1920, we fell in love with its charm, built-ins, and walk-up attic. In the last three years our two major projects have been gutting and remodeling the upstairs bathroom (before we moved in), and doing the same to the kitchen (a year after moving in – not fun).

For your viewing pleasure here are some before and after shots:

Before the remodel the bathroom was bland, had a nasty old tub, the toilet was too close to the wall, and there were funny niches in the wall on each side of the vanity.

We fixed all these problems (and more) by gutting it down to the studs, replacing all the plumbing including moving the toilet to the right, putting up drywall, floors, etc. and tiling! We have subway tile on the walls, black and white on the floor, and square tiles in the shower.

After starting the shower tile, we ran into a problem. We originally were going to put the larger black squares in the centers of white tiles. However, after buying the black tiles (and tiling the entire shower except for this space), we discovered the black tiles were too big. To solve our problem, we came up with the brilliant idea (thank you HGTV) to break the white tiles and do a mosaic instead.

Another fun piece of our bathroom is our vanity. This antique dresser was perfect for the job except it was too short. Wonderful hubby again did some work, added some wood and made it taller somehow, and cut out the space needed inside for the plumbing parts. He also made this awesome drawer that comes out the bottom but we have yet to put the doors back on (it needs some tweaking. . .)

Can you tell I love my bathroom? I had so much fun painting the vanity, the mirror, and the stripes on my walls! And I did it all myself!

The kitchen before was definitely an eyesore! We couldn't tell if they were really patriotic (the floor was indoor/outdoor blue carpet) or really liked Coke! Either way it had to go

Skinny people only: the bathroom off the kitchen.

To describe our kitchen remodel would take a whole other post, so long story short, we moved the bathroom from the back (where the window is now), took out a door (to the right of the window), and installed cabinets, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and a tile floor.

The bathroom is now where the old kitchen sink was and it takes up less space (but you don't have to be super-skinny to use it). We are still working on the finishing touches (crown molding being one of them); more pictures to come.

In addition to the remodels, I’ve been enjoying decorating! We’ve already painted the dining room twice and I’m getting ready to overhaul the master bedroom. Overall, I’d say my decorating style is Traditional Contemporary. I love traditional pieces, especially antiques, but I also like the clean lines and no clutter look that contemporary style gives you. I’m a firm believer you can mix any styles as long as it’s something you love.

This was a fun yard sale find although I had no idea what it was when I got it! I loved the color of the glass and knew it belonged at my house. Later my mother and father-in-laws made it into the lamp it is today. I love it!

I was drawn to these antique lamps by the amber glass base. This is the second lampshade to sit on top and probably not the last. . .

When I chose paint colors I was all about color! No white or beige for me (maybe in my next life). I love paint; it’s one of the cheapest ways to change a room.

Dining room before (in-between it was orange - I was trying to go for terracotta . . .)

And dining room after. I still have big plans for this room: install french doors to back yard, redo the built-ins, put up wainscotting, paint the table, chairs, create wall-hangings, etc. The list goes on.

Here is part of the living room before (there's baby B in the babyseat, now three years old!). The built-ins really sold us on this; they are awesome!

Here is the living room after painting; and after rearranging the furniture multiple times I think we found the arrangement that works the best. Side note: rearranging furniture is also another great way to redecorate a room! To the left is our love seat that's angled toward the fireplace. Like all other areas in my house I have great plans for the other half of this room (not pictured). At some future date we hope to have a wall of bookshelves, storage, and two desks (his and hers).

Last of all, here are a few of my favorite creations:

Decorating with letters

Organizing and decorating at the same time!

Ellie's beautiful bedding and curtains. The quilt is still to come . . .

I saw this idea for a giant letter at JoAnn's and had to try it! Plus, I love decorating lampshades; it's a fun way to change it up for low cost.

Lastly, a fun way to store you little girls pretty's.

I hope you've had fun reading about my home and got some great ideas for yours! Please leave some feedback and let me know what you want to hear about next! Also, if you have a recipe you'd like me to try, send it as well!

Signing off,

And the WINNERS are:

2008-11-20T12:29:00.003-07:00

{Just a pic of all the wonderful comments Chanelle, Heather, Carol, Darcy, Emily, Aubry, Gail, Deanna, Ella, my mom....did I forget anyone?....left for me, during my Open House! Okay, okay...that's not really what this pic is of, but it's sure cute.....and I want to make one}

The WINNERS:

1st place: Chanelle - You won the Stroller Bag
2nd place: Heather - You won the Flat Iron Sleeve
3rd: Carol - You won an Eye Glass Case

You gals left a ton of comments.....thanks for coming to my party!

NIE NIE Auction:

Chanelle is the WINNER of the CAKE STAND I auctioned off, for the Nie Nie Recovery Fund.

Thanks for all the emails and participating in this Auction.

JEWELRY STAND....IT WOULD GREAT IN MY ROOM!

2008-11-20T07:46:00.002-07:00

Wouldn't this look great in my bedroom? It holds jewelry....I want this! Check it out HERE!

My Bedroom Make-Over....All Great Things Take Time

2008-11-19T11:03:00.008-07:00

When it comes to decorating my home, I'm very impatient! Ask my husband, he'll tell you. I want to get the look I want 'Now'...because if I don't, my taste might change and the whole room will be lost forever, okay...not forever, but close! My husband says, "My decorating is like Utah weather, it changes every five minutes"....so maybe I should try taking my time to get a more personalized look. So, that's what I'm going to do (or at least, TRY, to do!)

So, for my Bedroom Make-Over...I'm going to take my time. The IMPATIENCE has already started to kick in. This is going to be a LONG project.

BEFORE:

This is my bedroom before...I've sold all the furniture since this picture. I wanted to go with black-brown furniture and upgrade to a King size bed. Well, it didn't work out the way I had planned...We did upgrade to a King bed, it just wasn't black! It's a King Size Sleigh Bed that is ABSOLUTELY Beautiful! I found it on KSL Classifieds for $100, what a steal. And...did I mention the flowers on the bed are HAND CARVED!

Problem: Now I have a black dresser, nightstand, refinished bench, etc. The bed has thrown everything OFF! I'm keeping the bed though, so everything else must go! Not really, I'll just refinish them....oh goody!

The bed is moved over to the window wall, making it look like there's no room to walk. That's because our t.v. is on the opposite wall, on top of 'the black dresser', making little walk way to the closet. That dresser will be gone once my hubby gets his, much desired LCD....on the wall.

The other problem I have is the WINDOW! My window is wide and short, I've had several different curtains up and nothing is 'just right'. I beg you, PLEASE help me with my window!

Now, I'm off the find BEDDING!

*****UPDATE*****

I had these curtains hanging in my living room....how do they look?

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED ME FOR MY OPEN HOUSE

2008-11-19T10:21:00.005-07:00

I couldn't resist this! It's a CARD....a THANK YOU card! You can find it HERE!

I wanted to say THANKS to everyone who emailed and left comments. I will be announcing the WINNERS of the GIVEAWAYS and AUCTION.....hopefully, tonight!

WELCOME...TO THE PARTY!

2008-11-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad to see you here....Welcome!

Grab a party favor, some treats....and enjoy the PARTY!

I'll be doing '3 GIVEAWAYS' and an AUCTION (for NieNie) today so don't forget to sign into the Guest Book (top right, just in case I send out Thank You Cards) or leave a Comment, so I can put your name into the DRAWINGS. I'll be posting almost every half hour, starting at 8 AM, so the more you comment, the more times your name goes into the HAT! FYI: All new posts will appear after this post...so scroll down to see new posts.

Mr. Linky is HERE, for all you PARTY GALS to show off your party attire, desserts (everyone knows to bring a dessert, right?) and anything else you would like to post on your site.

Rules for Mr. Linky:

* Please link up OPEN HOUSE posts only.
* Link up to a specific post, all links to home pages will be deleted. So Sorry!
* Please link back here from your post to this BLOGGY OPEN HOUSE post, so others can PARTY TOO.
* Lastly, this PARTY ends at 11pm....Mountian Time, November 18, 2008

THE CLEAN-UP CREW IS HERE.....THE PARTY MUST END, UNTIL NEXT TIME.....

2008-11-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm being kicked out by the CLEANING CREW..so unless I want to pay for another night, I must go. It's been great getting to know all of you. Thank you so much for being part of my new beginning. It was a ROCK'N day! With 31 posts in one day, I'm tired and I'm so HAPPY there's NO CLEAN-UP! Although, I would have been fine cleaning up....if I really ate the CAKE.

Until next YEAR! Mark you calendar....like this one from ILEE, I'm going to.....that is, if I can make it myself....? If I can't I might just fork out the money and buy it. Did you hear that SANTA, I would like this petite calendar. I know I've been GOOD.

As my sister says, TA TA FOR NOW!

I'll let you know who the winners are tomorrow.....now sleep!

TIMES ALMOST UP! THIS PARTY ENDS AT 11PM, MOUNTIAN TIME

2008-11-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Time has flown by today....and I've had a TON of FUN! But all GREAT things have to end....What, are you kidding? All great things, remain great, and continue to be great. (I'm a GLASS half FULL...kind of girl.) I will continue to post GREAT 'stuff' for you.

DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS!!! AREN'T YOU?

2008-11-18T22:00:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist this picture...Wouldn't it be GREAT if your CHRISTMAS table looked like this. I would dive in and die HAPPY! I don't know how I got this picture but I'm so glad to have it.

VIVA TERRA - YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT THIS STUFF IS MADE OUT OF....

2008-11-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this site....and fell in love with it. It's called VIVA TERRA and I'm pretty sure EVERYTHING is made from recycled materials.

The Letters above are made from ALUMINUM that's MISPRINTED! How cool is THAT? I really want those in my house. NOW, I just need Emily, from LITTLE WINDOW SHOPPE to do a tutorial on it.

Same thing HERE! Misprinted, trash cans.....so CREATIVE!

LITTLE WINDOW SHOPPE - SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE

2008-11-18T20:18:00.006-07:00

If I'm not BARGIN hunting, I'm WINDOW SHOPPING. This is a GREAT little shoppe to get ideas for any holiday or birthday. Emily has SUPER tutorials, I'm always a sucker for a great tutorial. It might be because it's FREE?! And I'm always looking for free or really cheap. It's in my blood. If I can't make IT, then I don't need it, well...sometimes! I can't make my underwear, haha! and I need those.... To much information?!!

Do you want to make this wreath? Emily shows you how HERE!

What about this? Dried Herbs and Flowers, find out HERE!

If those don't work for you, try this CUTIE....i'M going to try this one. Check it out HERE!

IT'S DINNER TIME - DOESN'T THIS LOOK YUMMY?

2008-11-18T19:00:00.001-07:00

THE CAKE!!!! DO YOU WANT A PIECE?

2008-11-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Isn't this CAKE Fantastic? I found this a few weeks ago over at The Good Apple. She makes the BEST CAKEs! Yes, I got permission to EAT one of her cakes. So we can slice right in and hand them out. Did you get one? Better get them while you can....there going FAST!

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS - BY ME!!

2008-11-18T17:00:00.002-07:00

Do you LOVE these STOCKINGS? I made them Myself! Do you want to make one? I can show you how.....so easy and really CHEAP! Because I'm cheap, everyone knows that!

DOMESTIC CHICKY - Top Secret Turkey Marinade:

2008-11-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

I can't tell YOU! You have to check it out YOURSELF.......yOu kNOw, iT's tOp sECREt!!! So, go and tell the DOMESTIC CHICKY, I sent you to get her Top Secret Turkey Marinade.

ALLYSON HILL - CAR LITTER BAGS

2008-11-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

I have 2 of these babies in my SUV! One for me and one for the back. Not only are these STYLISH and CUTE, they are very useful. Allyson sends 10 trash bags with your order, RIGHT ON! I haven't used all of my bags yet...I just take the trash out and throw it away, I'm so CHEAP! A new addition to her ETSY SHOP are the Auto Sneeze Tissue Cozies (below), they attach to your visor so the ALMIGHTY tissue is always at HAND. She has other items you should see. So don't walk over there, RUN! You won't be disappointed. Oh and leave her a comment or a convo, telling her I sent you.

BLOG AROUND THE WORLD

2008-11-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

If you want to make FRIENDS hop on over to BLOG AROUND THE WORLD and sign in. Debbie has made a FANTASTIC blog for women to get to know each other. Everyone who has a blog.....WAITS for comments on their posts. It's so exciting to hear what others have to say about what you have to say. Well, as long as they are NICE! Debbie spotlights many blogs for all of us to CHECK OUT and leave COMMENTS. Way to go, Debbie! She also has a PERSONAL blog, This Is The Life, that is SO funny! I love the way she talks.....you'll love it too!

MAKE AND TAKES - SCRABBLE TILE PENDENTS

2008-11-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

I have a NEW friend, Marie, over at MAKE AND TAKES. Her site is FILLED with many fun ideas and crafts to make. I've spent many clicks over there.....probably to many, but I love learning how to make things, it's GREAT!

One CRAFT I've been looking to make is the SCRABBLE TILE PENDENT. And wouldn't you know it, Marie's GOT it! She did a spotlight on the HOME STUDIO (they make these lovely little pendents) and posted a great TUTORIAL, from the Home Studio, for you to make your own.

BETH'S NOTES - HANDMADE CARDS

2008-11-18T14:30:00.003-07:00

I love this picture of A CARD from Beth's Notes.....I'm a simple-minded person, so clean lines and bright colors really work for me! Now, if I could only remember to use ALL the THANK YOU notes I BUY!

SUGARHOUSE INK

2008-11-18T14:00:00.004-07:00

***************************************************
Update:

I was just informed that Sugarhouse Ink IS NOT a Photography Studio. I don't know why I thought it was but I did. They actually design cards, invitations and announcements, not photography...! So Sorry...about the WRONG info.
****************************************************************

I found this GREAT Photography Studio, SUGARHOUSE INK ...not to far from ME! I love to take pictures (I was a very talented photography in another LIFE). Anyway, GO check out this site, you'll love it's SIMPLICITY....AND it's a great place to get your HOLIDAY pictures done. That is, if you send out Christmas Cards. I wish I had it together enough to send out cards...someday!

BEAUTY DEFINED - ELSA BEAUTY

2008-11-18T13:30:00.001-07:00

ELSA-BEAUTY... a one stop shop for ALL your BEAUTY needs. While I've been following this site, I've learned how to apply mascara, gel liner, eye colors and lip gloss (her daughter showed that HERE) I've always LOVED make-up, even though my HUBBY says, I don't need it! And I love LIP GLOSS....a ton! I feel more like ME when I have my make-up on.
p.s. Can you believe this is Drew Barrymore.....she's changed a little!

Here's some Lip Liner ADVICE from Chanelle:

Hi Everyone! I hope you're having a great time today. I know I sure am! You know, when most people think of lip liner....they are reminded of the awful dark lined look of the 1990's and swear never to use it. But, lip liner really has it's place in completing a face and can look great when the right color is chosen.

1. The safest color to choose when applying lip liner is one that is as close to your natural lip color as possible and there are a couple of reasons for this. 1st reason ~ When your lip color wears off you won't have a dark line outlining your puckers, but instead your lips will look defined and beautiful.

2. Lip liner is very waxy and when put on the outer edge it "holds" in the color helping to prevent feathering unto nearby skin. Even when a darker color is worn you can wear a natural or flesh colored liner. It will still look great!

3. This is my everyday lip. Lightly defined with a little color. I sometimes wear the color without the liner, but it always looks nicer and more polished when I do.

HOME DECOR.....MY FAVORITE! WELL, WITH CHOCOLATE!

2008-11-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

If you've noticed I love HOME DECOR! Anything and everything that goes into the catergory of home decor is my favorite (I have a lot of favorites). Except....GEESE, DUCKS AND CATS! I know, some of you out there love these animals....I just can't see them in my house. Do you have a tasteful way of decorating with these animals? I just can't see it!

Now, if you're talking about BIRDS, I can see that!.....take a tour over at the Nesting Place and you'll see what I mean. Not only does she have birds, she has tons of animals a'top tassels. (a'top, a new word for me) I'm getting a tassel this year....hopefully?

Did you see her NEW MANTLE? She uses shutters to cover the T.V. and shelves to make a mantle. Here's my SHUTTERS I've had on my wall for about 3 years. Do you think I could take credit for her project? Nope, I didn't think so either!

The lighting in her (top) picture is soooo much better than mine......maybe she could show me how to take pictures?

Some more of my FAVORITE Decorating Blogs:

Bless My Nest
Buzzings of a Queen Bee
The Inspired Room

TOM & LUCY'S ART SHOPPE......I'LL BE THERE!

2008-11-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

I could not be more EXCITED for ME? I'm doing my very FIRST Boutique this weekend. It's going to be AWESOME! I've been making tons of product to sell. Hopefully, it's enough.....I've been sick for a week or so. So...if you're there, say HELLO!

Home-Made Caramels and Gifts!!!

2008-11-18T12:00:00.001-07:00

Looky, What I Made! You can find the original post HERE, you'll need to scroll down a little. I found this WONDERFUL project over at Martha Stewart.com ......my family and I made the CARAMEL and the PACKAGES, aren't' you proud?

MINDY GLEDHILL MUSIC - CANDY FOR THE EARS

2008-11-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard Mindy Gledhill, YET.....You need too! Once you hear her Music, you'll want to run out and grab yourself a CD. Her voice is AMAZING and CANDY FOR THE EARS.....what else can I say, I WISH I had her voice? Yea, that would be it!

CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE -

2008-11-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from my FABULOUS sis-n-law, Carol.....she made this YUMMY cake a couple years ago and I've been hooked ever since. I must warn you....it has SOUR CREAM in it, YUK! I think this is the only recipe I will eat with sour cream in it.

You must try it:

1 package Betty Crocker milk chocolate cake mix
1 small package (3.9 oz) Jello instant chocolate pudding
1/2 c sugar
3/4 c butter melted
3/4 c water
4 large eggs
1 8 oz (1 cup) carton regular sour cream
3-6 oz Nestle semi-sweet mini morsels

Preheat oven to 350. Grease Bundt pan with Crisco and "flour" the pan with a little bit of the cake mix, to avoid the white gunk you get when you use actual flour.

Mix the first six ingredients in a mixer until well blended. Add sour cream, blending completely. Stir in chocolate chips.

Pour mixture into pan and bake for 50-55 min. Cool in pan 15 min, then turn upside down onto cooling rack. While still warm, lightly dust the top with powered sugar.

'INSIDE A BLACK APPLE'

2008-11-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

I Don't know this Artist but I wish I did....Her stuff is SOOOOO FABULOUS! I found her through Etsy and I've been hooked every since. Her art has a DARK but SIMPLE feel, to me. This piece is my FAVORITE! The little girl is so SWEET and QUIET....did I mention quiet! I love quiet, unless it means I have to be ALONE! I don't like to be ALONE! Anyway, go over to
'INSIDE A BLACK APPLE' and tell her I sent you. What a surprise that will be!

SEE'S CANDY - ONE OF MY FAVORITES

2008-11-18T09:22:00.003-07:00

Can you believe how CUTE this is! See's Candy is One of my favorite candies/chocolates. When I was growing up we would stop by the local See's Candy Shop, before a nice DRIVE through the country. We each picked out a couple pieces of chocolate and were OFF. I've always remembered this WONDERFUL Tradition, so I've done it with my children (once in a while, could you imagine buying chocolate for seven kids. At $15 lb., it doesn't happen very often) Every Once in a While, My HUBBY, picks up a couple pieces for me......What a guy!

PLACE SETTINGS AND NAME CARDS

2008-11-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Have a SEAT....I'm wishing it was warm outside so I went with the 'Spring Fling' theme. Find your seat and enjoy the sun and ohhhhh did you see your name card/stand? It's a dress....how CUTE is that? No, you can't take it with you! Anyway....I'm glad your here and I hope you keep checking back for new fun and exciting POSTS!

GRAPHICALLY DESIGNING.....BLOG DESIGN 'PERFECTED'

2008-11-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Do you like my new DESIGN? I love it and it LOVES me! I had a very TALENTED designer whip this up for me. If you would like to get your own one-of-a-kind DESIGN....check out Darcy (not her, the blog...silly!) over at Graphically Designing. Not only does she do OVER-THE-TOP designing but she also HOMESCHOOLS her 3 little young men over at Life With My 3 Boybarians. She wins the MOM OF THE YEAR AWARD from me!

So hope on over and tell her I sent ya!

NIENIE AUCTION - PETITE CAKE STAND!!!

2008-11-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

Since this is a PARTY....I couldn't resist HAVING an Auction for the Wonderful Stephanie & Christian Nielson, from the NieNie Dialogues . I've wanted to do something for them and could not think of ANYTHING, until NOW!

I'll be AUCTIONING OFF a petite cake stand for their RECOVERY Fund, highest bidder, WINS......ALL BIDS must be EMAILED TO ME, thesassymom@gmail.com, by 11pm, Mountian Time, November 18, 2008. I will ANNOUNCE THE WINNER....on Friday, November 19.

THE SASSY MOM'S OPEN HOUSE NOV. 18 ~ My Party Clothes

2008-11-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Don't you just LOVE this outfit? This is my Party Outfit and I can't wait to wear it. Check out my bag....it's really the same one I have.....LOVE IT! So roomy and YELLOW! You can't see them but I'm wearing brown boots. What will you be wearing? You can use Mr. Linky tomorrow to show what you are wearing.

Click Here to find out more about THE SASSY MOM'S OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE GIVEAWAYS

2008-11-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

How EXCITING!!! GIVEAWAYS!! Who could ask for more? Besides...lots of money, a great body....and who could forget the best one...CHOCOLATE, and lots of it!

Okay, so this is how the GIVEAWAYS will work....For every post you comment on (limit one comment for each post) your name will go into the DRAWING. So...if you comment on 4 posts, your name goes in 4 times. Easy enough RIGHT? There might be more than four so check back often.

1st Place Stroller Bag

2nd Place Flat Iron Sleeve

3rd Place Eye Glass Case

Bloggy Open House

2008-11-16T18:36:00.001-07:00

**********UPDATE!!!**********

Thank You BATW for that WONDERFUL SHOUT-OUT about my BLOGGY OPEN HOUSE! It's coming up fast and I'm getting everything ready. I have a CAKE, new outfit, decorations....and maybe a GIVEAWAY or TWO!

Don't forget to post (on your site) your own outfit, dessert......GIFTS?...(Just kidding, no gifts. Well, only if you want to). Then come on over November 18 and use Mr. Linky to SIGN IN. Sounds easy enough, right?

Below is the ORIGINAL invitation.

Okay....now you have your invitation to
'The Sassy Mom's Open House'. What now?

1. Post my invitation on your blog and link back here, so your readers can find out more. (FYI: save picture of invitation and upload it in your post.)
2.Sign into my Guestbook, to the right. ....just in case I remember to send out Thank You cards.
3. Tell all your friends about my party. Anyone can post my invitation on their blog.
4. Pick an outfit to wear, desserts to bring, gifts (....just kidding, no gifts, just chocolate!) and post them on your blog on 11/18. Mr Linky will be here to link The Sassy Mom's visitors to your site, I can't wait to see what everyone is wearing.

Well, gotta go, I still need to find a cake and something to wear.

Oh So Cute....Wreath!

2008-11-15T13:14:00.001-07:00

Everyone needs a new WREATH this time of year, right? Well, I found one for you, and you, and you! And the BEST part about it.....YOU can make it YOURSELF! Emily over at the LITTLE WINDOW SHOPPE will show you how to make this pretty little thing.....it's really easy.

Family Tree

2008-11-15T09:14:00.001-07:00

I've ALWAYS loved Family Trees! I find them very interesting and fun to read. You can find out so much information about a person.....if they were related to a FAMOUS person or something like that. Could you imagine if you found out you were directly related to a very famous CHOCOLATE MAKER. I think I would die HAPPY!
Well anyway, I've never owned a FAMILY TREE...I've left that to my WONDERFUL parents (and grandparents). And, I may say....they've done a GREAT job. They haven't linked me to a chocolate maker, yet! But, I'm sure it won't be long before they do.
Soooo.....to all of you out there who do GENEALOGY, Thank You!

You can get your FREE template of THIS Family Tree Fan....HERE!

Making New Christmas Stockings

2008-11-14T08:26:00.001-07:00

I'm making NEW STOCKINGS for my family this weekend. Here's some ideas from Martha Stewart that I LOVE! You can get ALL the instructions for these Great stockings on her website.
Hmmmm, I don't know which style I'll decide on....I have to make NINE so it will have to be SIMPLE. On Monday I'll post the NEW Christmas stockings, or at least ONE.

I know theses are not stockings, they just looked really GOOD!

For more great Holiday IDEAS, visit THE INSPIRED ROOM!

2	cups sugar
1/2	cup butter or margarine
2	cups whipping (heavy) cream
3/4	cup light corn syrup