Douglass Fam 6

Hello My Friends

2012-01-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Did you think I was done blogging? I'm not... just haven't made the time to get here but I have alittle time this morning. Christmas was great with all the kids home and we really had a great time. Over the Christmas holiday Brooke and Colton were sealed in the SL temple. That was a grand experience for us and them. They are happy together and doing very well with their little lives. We are so pleased with them. Kenzi is still working her job and happy and Ez is off to new adventures with his dad. That's another day, another story when theres more time. All good of course.
I've been in Cali. taking care of my mother for the last 2 weeks. She fell right before Christmas and broke her hip. Had a replacement and now is home "rehabbing". There was alot to do when I got here but we have things under control. It's weird to watch people around you, siblings... to see what their reactions are to situations. My dad has dymentia and uses a walker full time. He's quite the handful and requires constant attention and assistance. My mother is doing very well but alittle forgetful like using the walker to get across the room and then turn right around and start walking out of the room without it! It's a full time babysitting job sometimes. I feel blessed to be here and care for my parents. It's another phase of my life that I knew someday would be here and it's a reality check when your here. My dad has always been a very stern man, not really happy in his life though I think he thought he was and if it wasn't for his "happy pill" would be cruel with words. He's in a boyish stage and is sweet and kind. It's odd to see that behavior just because I have never experienced that with him. I've had moments that I just sit with him and hold his hand and cry to know that he is in this state of his life which I'm sure is frustrating for him as well. He sees my tears and is tender with me with alittle pat on my arm. Somewhat confused by my tears. I've really never had experiences with him like that. He tells me that he loves me and is so glad I'm here. My mother is a real go getter and is very mad that she fell and has put everyone out. So she thinks. My sister has retired from her job recently and I'm in a place that with my time that I can be here. We are all ok with the situation, she just needs to learn alittle more patienc. She's just frustrated and wants to go, go, go. She will be ready in about a month and then we probably won't be able to keep up with her! She's 83 this year and is just gettng started. Really good genes there so I'm not worried about getting to her age.
I've been to zumba once. A pretty good class, nothing like AnnaLee but got a good workout. I will be coming home for about 2 weeks and then back here for maybe 3.
Life is all about adventures and how we approach them is the key thing. The weather here has been 75 everyday and I have loved waking to a slight breeze and sunshine constantly. Since the beach is close by there is always alittle moisture in the air and it feels tropical always. I really love it here. I miss my friends and long for their conversations and friendships. I love you all.

A Few Trips

2011-11-12T17:28:00.003-07:00

So I have been galavanting around the country lately. Went to Mexico the first of October which was the best time ever. The weather was extremely hot but thats OK. I've decided that I would much rather be hot than cold. Especially after the snow fall today... and freezing tempertures. Had a great visit with my parents and my sis. Laughed alot, crafted layed in the sun and got to learn quite a bit of the language there. It came to my advantage alot!
This last week Paul and I went to ND to visit Colt and Brooke. Paul set Colton apart as an Elder and we attened church in their little branch. Well it used to be a branch but in 9 months they have grown from 30 to 300 people. Crazy... Testimony meeting was inspirational. A steady line of people the whole time and we finished 15 min. late. The people are wonderful, humble and so thankful to be members. It was a great experience. The weather is turning alittle cold there but they're having a mild fall. Not too many trees there, alot of flat land. But it was fun to see places I've never been.

What's That Little Popping Sound?

2011-09-06T17:22:00.002-06:00

Well... It's these lovely little ladies.

I found the most delish recipe for marinara sauce and it is stinkin' good. I have always wanted to can my own but never had attempted. This morning at 4am my little eyes bugged right open and I was done lying in that bed so up and at em. I did get done 4 loads of laundry before 7am. And in the meantime found a wonderful recipe and thought thats what I'm doing today. So I got a bucket of just picked tomatoes from my sweet friend Michelle and came right home and started in. One, 5 gallon small size tomatoes did all this. And I love that little popping sound. Sometimes it's as quick as you take the jar right out of the pot. Music to my ears. It was an all day project but with Lifetime movies to keep you entertained it went by quick. If I was to trade for this most delicious condiment, which can be used for pizza sauce or spaghetti it would be at least 4 doz. fresh eggs. Just saying to anyone who might want to barter...I also love going into my pantry and seeing these bad boys sitting there too. Pickled Beets and Bread and Butter Pickles. The best ever if I say so myself. Both of these bring back memories from my grandma canning and sending them home with us when we would visit her in Utah. She was a funny ole woman. Always wore a big house coat and smoked Virgina Slims menthol. She was something. Loved her I did.

It's been a good day. My feet hurt and I'm tired. And I love looking at my jars.

Kenzi's Trip

2011-08-21T08:43:00.004-06:00

Kenzi is back from Peru and had a wonderful time. She has lots of stories and experiences that will last her a lifetime. A friend named Adam went with them on their journies and took most of their pictures so what I have is very few. She got bored with my camera right off the get go and Adam has more professional looking shots. So I'll share with you a few and when I get more I'll post.
This is Cam's dad, Steve, her traveling companion. They kept everything in their little safe in their hotel room.
The only shot of Kenzi in a picture. Standing in front of an old cool house. She loved the blue and the old wooden door.Laundry DayKenzi and Cam

These Muggy Hot Days

2011-08-01T13:46:00.003-06:00

The last few days have reminded me of when we first moved to Rupert. 1993, Kenzi was 2, Colton was 3 and Ez 7. We actually moved on the 4th of July and I remember watching the fireworks going off as we pulled into town. The kids thought they were just for them! The weather then, all summer was very much like it has been, hot and muggy. Big thunder and lighting storms all summer long. Those big craklin' thunder bolts. They were pretty exciting.
As I lived in Rupert I remember going to any store trying to find flowers so I could plant in my pots and to my surprise there was not a flower to be found. I couldn't believe that everything was already gone AND they wouldn't be getting anymore. WHAT?! I had never heard of such a thing. It's only the end if July! Being from Cali. you bought flowers all year round and planted all year. That was the first of many dissappointments. Not just the fact that my husband had moved me to Hell... sorry if thats offensive, but I honestly felt that and we were living with his parents which I'm sure they were not happy about either. It took a few months until we bought a 2 bedroom little house in Rupert cleaned it up, remodeled and moved in. Finally alittle home. 3 kids in one bedroom. That was fun. :)
How things have changed... Kenzi is 20, Colton, 23 and Ez, 27. Everyone living on their own and happy. Our electric bill has actually gone from $300 down to $66. Last month to be exact. Now that's accomplishment! I'm estatic about that one!
We've been married 28 years and Paul's the Bish. for 1 year now. WOW thats crazy. The weather has brought back some long ago memories and tore at my heart strings.
Life is good.

Anne of Green Gables

2011-07-23T09:18:00.003-06:00

I went to Boise last night to watch my great niece star in a little play at the Boise Little Theater. "Anne of Green Gables". She was wonderful and without her it would not have been any fun. She knew her lines perfectly and was so full of everything! She is really going to go far with her acting. She loves it and you can tell. She had 3 of her great aunts there and her great grandma. We had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory and had a fun evening. Way to go Madeline!What a fun filled evening. It's great to have family...
The star with Great Auntie Karla
Aunt Emily, Madeline's mom, Annie and Madeline

Alittle Bit Sad

2011-07-07T23:25:00.015-06:00

OK. Do you see the time that this posting is going down? You know your attached to your little kittens alittle too much when you feel sad when the first one leaves the family. You know its going to a very loving home and a sweet little girl who is going to love that little kitten. And then you freak thinking "did I give that baby away too soon?" So you get up in the middle of the night and google " when do you give away baby kittens" and you find out that your ok, most people start giving them away at 8 weeks, which that lil baby will be on Friday. WOW, I have got to snap out of it!

SAWTOOTH RELAY
I finally got to go for my first walk this morning since the relay. It felt really good and I finally think my leg is healed. Yay! For those of you who don't know the Monday before the relay I pulled my calf on my left leg leaving me barely to walk. Such a huge disappointment. But I ended up walking my legs. The relay was a really exciting event for me to be involved in. I still can't believe I did it
We loaded the sub and made our way for Stanley. Which by the way was only a overnighter but we had enough food and clothes we could have probably gone for a week easily.
This was the best part. Naming our own legs to run. People knew who we were! See #10.

We got pretty creative I think.

Here we are in Stanley unloading all that stuff. Of course we brought our own dinner and we were excited about that!
This is the gang at the starting line at 1am in the morning. It was a party and we were right in the middle of it. So fun.
Here's Erin coming in from her 2nd leg. Such a trooper. I love that girl.

Jacque running up the summit. She's got alot of guts.

Elise getting geared up for her leg. She was hilarious the whole trip. I can't even begin to tell you how much fun her and I had laughing all the time.

Here's Britanni running at just about 5am. It was cold and starting to get light. That was awesome in itself.
Renee starting her journey down the backside of Galena Summit

Here I go bringing in the last leg. I was so excited and nervous hoping my leg would be ok and get me into the finish. I was praying the whole time. I put wrap on both my legs, they were killing me by the end. I made it and we all crossed the finish line together.
This was on my top 5 things I have ever done in my life. So far...
And here we are. "The Housewives of Heyburn"
PS... Cheers!

My Babies Are Growing!

2011-06-14T08:14:00.008-06:00

Gettin' Ready to Pounce

This is the one I'm gonna keep

I can't believe how cute these kittys are. They are already 5 weeks old. I've been getting them out of their box for play time (I have to say I'm not that patient with it... the "bish" is better at it than me, he likes to really play with them string and all...) They are exploring and socializing with each other. They are cute! Sometimes they hunch their backs like they're going to attack, they hiss at each other, bat their cute little paws and pounce. They are so cute. I have two farmed out, I'm keeping that little black one with the orange on her face. I have fallen in love with her. Don't have a name yet, "Pookie" maybe...they are fun and cute and I'm enjoying having them around. The mama cat is really a good mama and she takes very good care of them. She still loves me to talk to her. She's spoiled now for sure...

They're Here!

2011-05-16T14:41:00.006-06:00

Look at those babies... with their little bums...

6 adorable kittens born Friday morning starting at 7am. She came into the house to get her usual morning cream but ran straight under the bed. When I checked for her, her stomach was heaving up and down really hard. I pretty much knew right away that she was in labor. Got her in her box filled with blankets and 15 min. later the first one was born. Within the hour she had three. By noon three more. Whew! She was tired and so was I. Number three and four she didn't take to right away, so I was the one rubbing them clean and getting them to "root" with the mama. Call me the "feline mid-wife"! She took care of them really well for 24 hrs. Sat. morning she was out of the box and didn't want to go back. She didn't feel well you could just tell, Who really would after delivering six babaies? After about three hours Kenzi and I were worried about the babies being hungry. We checked the internet and it said if she didn't go back to the box on her own, put her in and praise her. Well that worked. We talked and talked to that cat, told her she was a good mommy kitty and so on. She loved all the attention and now she hasn't left the box for two days. I take her her food and cream and those babies and her are happy as clams. They are getting bigger and they are cute and tiny. We will keep probably two and one more has been claimed. We will let them go at 8 weeks. So Friday May 13th may be unlucky for some but for this mama, it was all good.

My Kitty's Prego

2011-05-09T14:06:00.010-06:00

Here she is in all her glory. Boom Boom's gonna be a mama. I don't know how far along she is but she gets bigger and bigger every day. We usually spay our animals as soon as we can but not this one waited alittle too long. Keep you updated.

Look at that fat belly.

My Sister Said...

2011-05-02T16:06:00.005-06:00

When are you going to update your blog? She reads all my friends and says that I'm falling behind. Which I am. So here goes.
We had a great Easter. All the kids came home and we ate of course and everyone had Easter baskets of course. It was a horrible, windy day but a great day for flying kites. The boys all got a kite in their baskets!

Kenzi got Cam's kite stuck in the tree so he's climbing up to get it.

Ez and Laisa dinking around. It was so windy it blew everybody away.

Kenzi and Cam trying to fly their kite.
We played games all day and sat around the fire and watched movies. It was a fun day to re-connect with everyone.
Brooke and Colton are doing great in ND. Surviving the below freezing conditions but temperatures are climbing... Kenzi is still working and going to school learning great stuff to cook, love it when she comes home always has great receipes and Ez is now finance manager in St. George AND he came home tanner than me! What? It's true. He froze the whole time here. Poor boy. It was a fun weekend.
They all felt like they were posing for prom. They're hammin' it up. Arn't they all cute?

My lil darlins...

Lazy Day

We All Have Our Moments

2011-03-15T16:38:00.005-06:00

One of things I love about blogging is that it gives me a chance to write down thoughts or "journal" that I wouldn't usually do. I guess I blog for a couple of reasons:
1. To get things off my mind
2. To let others know what's going on in my family
3. It's a creative outlet
4. Helps me stay savvy on the computer, which I am not good at...
I have decided that I'm definitely ready for spring and I want the sun to stay out! I really feel better in warmer weather and it keeps me motivated to keep exercising.
I know that we all have our trials and at times we sometimes feel like we're the only ones who have struggles and everything seems like it's uphill ALL THE TIME!...
I found this you tube today and everything that I was on my pitty potty about seemed to have disappeared after I saw this. What a cute woman and lots of inspiration.
http://www.youtube.com/mormon#p/u/8/lgmAOhAR_aQ
( don't know why my links don't highlight anymore... Anyone know?) Anyhooo... Kenzi was home for the weekend and we baked of course, she made a Starbucks pound cake, all the ingriedients measured in at a whopping pound! A pound of butter a pound of sugar, etc. A total of 9,000 calories, thats right no typo, aaahhh! But it was yummy, sent most of it home with her. She has great stories from work and is loving going to school learning how to cook and bake. She's hilarious. Brooke and Colton are trying to stay warm and Ez is burning up at 70 degree weather. He's lovin' life there in SG. I think everyone will be home for Easter and that I'm looking forward too.
This is where I used to hang out in high school and take my kids when they were little babies. Avila Beach. Many great memories. This is what I'm missing. Hope to get there before next fall...

We Are the "Housewives of Heyburn"

2011-02-27T21:19:00.003-07:00

Isn't this the funnest picture ever? We are gearing up and getting ready for the biggest race of our lifetimes. Well at least my lifetime... LOL. 60 miles. We start at the elementary school in Stanley travel over Galena Summit and end up in Sun Valley. These are dedicated women who love life, their families, who are health conscience and want to make a difference.

We met with our fab photographer Emily on Friday afternoon during a pretty big snow storm. She had this great idea to go out to the dock. Paul trucked the cool chair out thru the backyard to the dock and if you notice no footprints in front of us. She had him walk on the side of the dock, put the chair in the middle and we carefully walked as to make the snow look perfect without any tracks. So cool.

Erin, Jackie, Britanni, Myself, Elise and Renee.
I love these women. I almost can't type because of tears in my eyes. They are inspiring and I just love em! We are the "Housewives of Heyburn!"

My New Motto to the Right

2011-02-22T20:31:00.003-07:00

In the picture to the right... Ginger, Karla, and Kim. :)
It could be our logo on our shirts for the relay. I love it.

Some Thoughts on Martha

2011-02-13T22:47:00.002-07:00

I just received my new Living magazine aka Martha Stewart. I used to be a huge fan of hers and follow everything she did on TV to all the cook books I could read. I followed her for about 10 years, then I lost interest as other cooks became popular and the cooking channel started. She really was a break thru for the home chef and had so many great ideas that I wanted to do everything she did! As I was reading the magazine which BTW... I don't even know how I started getting the magazine again because I don't even remember getting the subscription, it took me back quite a few years ago. When I was 26, Ez was 3 years old. I started reading Martha's cook books. Thats really where I found my love and passion for cooking. I would read and buy all her books and look at the pictures for hours. I studied all the recipes till I almost had them memorized. I looked at the pictures and wanted to create all the beautiful things she was creating with food. Of course some of the stuff she was cooking and baking were extravagant. But I was bound and determined to make it anyway.
I decided that I wanted to have a Christmas party and invite 10 couples over. Mind you I had never attempted this before, but how hard could it be? Fix alittle food, have your friends over and no big deal. I made my menu, did the shopping and cleaned the house. I started early in the morning. Turkey Teterzinni, puff pastry with a creamy filling, I don't remember all the items I had but I can tell you thinking back it was way too much food and way too many items to prepare in just one day. I had no idea what I had got myself into. I called my brothers girlfriend and asked if she could come over and help me because I was running out of time and still had way too many dishes to prepare. We were preparing hot dishes, cold dishes, dips, sauces, hordevours, desserts you name it I think it was on my menu. Holy cow! We pulled it off and got everything ready just as people started to arrive. I remember laying everything out and it filled a whole dining table and two buffet servers all loaded with food. Of course it was beautiful and delicious. Everyone was blown away with the amount of food I had made. I was too. But that was just the beginning of my passion of creating and experimenting with food. It's my way to show love, comfort and compassion for everyone. It helps me be creative. As I'm cooking I "love" my food. I nourish it with fresh herbs and seasonings. Then when I'm done and serve it or give it away, people know it came from my heart and made with passion. I love to cook and I love to eat!
So that's my experience with Martha. I like to see from time to time what she's doing and experimenting with. I can really take or leave her. She kinds bugs me because she interrupts her guests that she has on her show so much she doesn't let them talk ever! Watch her you'll see what I mean. So there's my deal with Martha...

Don't Cha Know!

2011-02-06T21:44:00.004-07:00

It's official! Brooke and Colton have moved to North Dakota... This is them Saturday morning before they left Idaho. They arrived there this afternoon. I can't believe it. I cried when they left and then every time I talked to them to check on where they were during their drive. They traveled some pretty bad weather, icy roads, blowing snow and just plane cold. Colton is now an official CDL, Haz Mat driver. I can't imagine him driving a BIG truck but he's going to. Brooke's dad bought some trucks and Colton's is one of his drivers. He will be driving in the oil fields in North Dakota for about a year. They can bank some good money, pay off some school loans and give them a good bumper for their little future.
He'll be hauling water in and out of the oil fields which have to be heated with propane so that's a little nerve racking. Brooke is going to be a hired cook for the drivers 2 to 3 nights a week. They've rented alittle house from the Episcopalian church there in Dickinson. The people there have a cute little accent, don't cha know... and they are excited about this new adventure in their lives. Last week the temperture was -45 degrees. Holy cow, can you imagine how cold that is? You have to be prepared when you go out. I hope to fly out soon to help them settle in and teach her how to bake bread and cinnamon rolls. My sweet kids are venturing out and it's a blast.

"Housewives of Heyburn"

2011-01-25T15:30:00.004-07:00

Well... Here we go. I've made a commitment to run in a 60 mile relay in June. I know crazy. But I am doing it with 5 of the most fabulous women I know. We are the "Housewives of Heyburn" Thats our team name. Isn't that great? We'll give those New York and Beverly Hill's wives something to really talk about! Ha! Here's the link of the relay if you want to check it out. http://www.sawtoothrelay.com/sawtooth/home.cfm
I will be running or in my case walking 2 different legs of about 5 miles twice. That's right 5 miles, 2 times! AAAHHH! Did I mention that they're all in their in their 30's? I've started doing alittle training and I will be getting into it more as the weeks go on. I will keep you updated and hopefully get some pictures so you can meet my teammates and get to know them. (did I mention they're 30 something?) I'm pretty excited about this little adventure in my life. Being 50 doesn't mean I'm dead thats for sure. Wish me luck and any advice for this occasion is truly welcome.

The Month of December Re-Capped...

2011-01-05T10:36:00.006-07:00

Brooke and Colton spent Christmas eve with her family and came to our house on Christmas day for a few hours. They opened presents and just hung out. It was a great day.

Spending time with Kenzi is really alot of fun. It's great cause when she comes home she takes over the kitchen. It looks like a train wreck when she's done but the food is fab and she even teaches me a few new things. It's really fun having her home. She's simply a delight to have around.

Ez came home for New Year's and spent the weekend. I was sick with a bad sinus cold but we found time to visit and hang out. He's working hard in St. George and loving the weather there. He was freezing the whole time he was here. He always had his hat on and coat. Poor boy. He just needs to stay there because he cannot adjust to the really freezing conditions here... Really it has been down to 0 degrees. It's crazy.

On New Years Day my MM cooked a turkey in the deep fryer he got for Christmas. It was an interesting learning experience for him and Kenzi, his assistant... everytime I looked out the window all they were doing was laughing and carrying on...

They had to maintain the temperture of the oil at 350 degrees, the turkey cooked for about 25 minutes. It was pretty moist inside and pretty good.

"The Cooks"

Cameron and Kenzi. Can't keep them apart... Cam was with his family over the Christmas holiday but with us on New Years. We like having him around, he's a great guy.
All in all things were quiet and simple this year. We enjoyed each other's company and felt good about the things we accomplished this holiday season. The ward party was a huge success, served 220 people for dinner and made 45 dinner boxes to go to people in the community. The new year find us with goals to help better ourselves mentally, spiritually and physically. My motto as always, I love my family and my life...

This One's for You Ging !

2010-12-01T21:59:00.011-07:00

This is my sister Ginger... We talk everyday literally. Sometimes it's 3 times a day. We laugh, cry and laugh some more. She's been waiting for me to change my blog. Of course she wouldn't know what it en tales because she doesn't blog. I made her a google account so she could comment on my posts, but she can't seem to do even that. She's a hoot. If she comes to town I'm having a party so everyone can meet her. I love her. She's my best friend.
We had lots of fun on Thanksgiving weekend. Despite the bitter cold and I mean cold and snow we had a quiet dinner with wonderful food and great company. Brooke and Colton came and Kenzi and Cam from Logan. Us girls did a craft. Painted blocks then put vinyl lettering on the blocks and then embellished them.

that was fun... then we ate about 4pm.
On Saturday everyone left doing their own thing so Paul and I decided to be adventurous. We went and bought a tree tag, $5 bucks and went up to Pomerelle and cut down our Christmas tree. What a hoot. It was so cold! Take a look at those boots, They're Ezzy's.
I don't have any adventurous boots so being about 2 sizes too big they worked for the time. I trudged up those hills like a champ. The only thing that killed me was no air. My legs didn't burn, thanks to Zumba... but the air was thin. We finally found a tree, a very tall tree and then cut the top out of it. It's cute and decorated and next year I think I want to do it again. I'll be alittle more prepared though. I'm gettin' my own boots! See that black spot on the right? That's Paul crashing in the snow. He was tired from traipsing thru the snow he's resting while the big boys cut the tree down. Ha!

My cute little "Charlie Brown" tree. I love it.

These little ones are Pauls great nieces and nephew. They were bundled up playing in the snow and having a great time. They're dad's were up cutting down their trees and haulin' them back on the snow machine. It was about a three hour ordeal. Good times in Idaho!

My "Marlboro Man"

2010-11-20T12:56:00.012-07:00

OK... He may not be the typical "Marlboro Man" good looking cowboy riding a horse with the big brimmed cowboy hat...

But my "Man" is a whole lot better. He's cute, rugged and who can't resist that adventurous hat he has on? He's just as exciting as the day I met him. And I get a thrill every time I get a chance to be with him.
It's snowed about 5 inches starting last night. There's something I love about waking up to everything being winter white. I love it.
I have had a day today like I love to spend it. Fire in the fireplace, made potato soup which I have to say is truly the most delicious tasting soup I've ever made, Maybe made it a time or two before but today especially good. And I made my totally favorite cookies, "Ginger Snaps".

Notice how a couple have already disappeared...
I don't know why I love those little bites so much but they bring me joy to my mouth as I bite into that little cookie. And to top it off, I made alittle "hard sauce" leave that to your imagination. :D

It's been a good day. I'm gearing up on Monday to start my decorating for Christmas.
Can't wait. Last year at this time I was extremely sick and I missed the whole month of December. I had to go to Cali. to take care of my mom so I missed Christmas day with my family and even New Years. A big thanks to Kenzi again for running the show here. Way to go Kenz! This year will be great!

Surrogate Grandma

2010-11-13T18:48:00.007-07:00

Today I spent most of the day with these two little girls. Jaylee and Sherae.

They came at 9 and were supposed to leave at 11 but we were having so much fun I asked their mom if they could stay... Our first place to go of course was the dollar store. Who can't resist that when you have little girls! (wink wink) We bought gloves and scarves because it was really cold outside...coloring books and a Mickey Mouse book. Then we headed over to a craft fair and walked around. We finally came home about noon and ate sandwiches. The Bishop showed up and Jaylee remembered him from the trunk or treat and was alittle scared of him but soon realized he didn't have his makeup on and she was ok with him being in the house. He was really scary and scared all those little kids at the ward activity. (He secretly loved it.) So after eating lunch we made these cute little turkey cookies! Arn't they cute?
They were being such good little listeners. Putting their pieces of candy exactly where I told them to place them.

Jaylee and Sharae. My little grandgirlies for the day.

The Month of November

2010-11-09T22:05:00.002-07:00

Last November I seemed to have had alittle more time on my hands than I do this year. I posted alot more and wrote about some fun things.
This year I'm alittle bit more busy and things are really clinkin' along. Or it seemes to be doing that... clickin' along... I love this month. Your menu changes to those warm, hearty, comfort meals, you bake bread, cinnamon rolls and yummy fall desserts. I really love thinking about all my kids coming home for the holidays. And now they really are cause they're all gone in different directions. Yay! It's fun thinking that I have a new daughter-in-law and having her in our family for Christmas morning. I love life. I'm thankful everyday to my HF that I live at this time and I'm thankful for the things that are behind me. I've learned alot. I don't really like being in the middle of the crisis or those character building moments but after they're gone it's alot under the belt.
I'm thankful that I'm healthy and I have the opportunity to exercise. My sweet husband does everything he can to make it so I can go and exercise. I appreciate and love him!

It's Really Here

2010-10-26T12:00:00.003-06:00

FALL! It's here and it's chilly.! I really do love this time of year. I love the colors, changing of trees and of course the geese are back and I love watching them on the water. Sometimes at night they're so noisy honking back and forth with each other they wake you up. It's kinda funny. Not sure what they're saying but it's loud.
I've started baking bread, small loaves or course since we eat the whole thing in one night... so yummy. And all these fun baking ideas are showing up on everyone's blogs. I found this new site to the right ~ today and they have some delcious receipes. Check them out. They will get you in the mood to do some baking!
Paul and I are busy, busy, busy... Sometimes it's endless hours at the church and he comes home exhausted but well rewarded. Our life is great, happy kids good health and we still like each other :D

Albies Savings Today

2010-10-11T15:08:00.001-06:00

All this stuff would have cost me $195.39. I paid OOP $60.99. If you can't tell, there's 4 pkgs. of paper towels and 5 pkgs. of TP. Pretty good score :D

Haunted Mansion

2010-10-11T08:05:00.004-06:00

We went to the haunted mansion in Albion Friday night. We took Brooke & Colt and Kenzi came home and brought her friend Cam. He's cute and very nice. We've been waiting for a while to meet him!
We had a spooky, fun time. This has been our 3rd year going so I guess it's a tradition for our family. Love the haunted mansion.

My Friend Loranna

2010-10-10T16:23:00.002-06:00

During this time of year when harvesting is going on I think back to when I lived in SLO and I had a wonderful friend named Lorrana. She was always on her game, way ahead of us other young moms and wives. She was always the first one to make a quilt or have a garden or even do canning. At this time of year she was baking bread and doing fun crafty things. As Cali. girls, most of us just didn't think of those things. It's what Utah girls did... I remember going to her backyard and looking at her garden thinking it was truly an art. Her perfect little rows of everything! I just couldn't imagine why you would want a garden when we had a wonderful farmers market that we could go to every Thursday night. Gardens were too much work...
Lorrana was diagnosed with cancer when we were in high school. That was along time ago when cancer was a pretty new sickness for people. I graduated in 1979 she in
1980. She was never supposed to have children or even live beyond her twenties. She did marry, have 3 beautiful children and lived into her early thirties. I remember when she was extremely ill going thru chemo and going to her house to clean, make dinners and help feed her and take care of her children. Her house was warm and inviting with quilts laying around with canned food on the shelves that she canned from her garden. During her process of literally her last days she journaled like crazy. She wrote to each one of her kids and told all about them from birth to the present. She told them how wonderful and sweet they were and how heavenly father had special plans for them in this life. She quietly passed from this life and still to this day I think of her at this time and the impact she made in my life. She was a strong and faithful woman in the gospel. She loved the Lord and never questioned her journey in this life. She taught alot of us lessons of faith and the love of the savior. I miss her, I love her and hope as she continues her journey on the other side that she knows I think of her often. My friend Lorrana. The quilter, the canner, the gardner.

2010-10-07T22:25:00.000-06:00

3 Weddings and a Funeral !

2010-09-29T12:58:00.006-06:00

We have been busy here at the Douglass house. Ez moved to St. George on Sunday and he's off with his new adventure. He's in the process of looking for a place to stay. Kenzi was home for a couple of days and of course we shopped caught her up with groceries and supplies. That was fun having her home. She is so fun to be around. I miss her and really enjoy hanging out with her. Of course Colt and Brookie are doing great with school and work.
We had a friend come to visit us on Sunday and he brought his fiance, Bonnie. Paul had the pleasure of marrying them on Tuesday afternoon. It was a beautiful day and they are happy little lovebirds.
The Bish, Bonnie and Rick

So to date since July 18th, we've had 3 weddings, 1 funeral and 2 baptisms.
Life is Good ! :D

Yummy Food

2010-09-20T21:26:00.008-06:00

Found this and made it. So yummy. Getting you ready for those fall dishes. Made Lion House rolls and freezer corn I did last week. Whew! you can't eat like that all the time but it sure was good. :D

Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 stalks celery, finely diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 Tablespoons fresh minced garlic
2 Cups shredded, cooked chicken breast
2 Cups steamed white rice
16 oz prepared wild rice (I get mine at Trader Joes, LOVE it)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Cheese Sauce

4 Tablespoons butter
1/4 Cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 Cups chicken broth
2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
Top with 1 1/2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil into a medium dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Saute onion, celery and carrots until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chicken, both rices, salt, pepper and garlic salt. Reduce heat to low.

2. To prepare cheese sauce melt butter into a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper then slowly pour in chicken broth whisking continuously. Whisk until thick and nearly boiling then stir in cheese until melted. Pour cheese sauce into rice mixture then transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with additional cheddar cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted through. Serve.
8-10 servings

Viking Man and a Funeral

2010-09-16T20:34:00.005-06:00

At dawn last Saturday they started they're approach. Swimmers of all ages, sizes, male and female. It was the 2nd Viking man swim from our dock. It was alot better weather this year than last year, as it was so cold, raining and almost snowing. Early June. They changed the date this year hoping it would be alittle warmer. It was. What a fun site to see all these dedicated people do what they love. Congrads to them all!

Today we had the funeral for Andrea. It was a very sweet and spiritual service. The music was amazing and the talks extremly well put. My sweet husband conducted and helped the family this past week. It's amazing what happens inside families and how some get confused and let little things fester and cause conflict. Paul counseled them to not let disagreements come between each other. We must love and do good and be kind to each other. Life is fragile and death is certain. Really, how lucky we are to know about death and the joyous occasion it is when we cross over the vail. Pretty simple words but inspiration for us to live by. By the end of the day I felt that the two sides had made some kind of amends. They spoke to each other, hugged and had a simple quiet moment together. For Andrea's sake, I'm happy that took place.
I keep telling Paul that by his time is over being bishop, him and I will have learned so many things and gained so much knowledge. It's a very rewarding time in our lives.

Last Days of Summer

2010-09-10T15:29:00.005-06:00

I'm kicking and screaming changing my background to fall. It's killing me! But what do you do? I live in Idaho.
We've had a great summer with so many things to be thankful for. I got to see my family alot this summer which has been great. Spending time with my sister has been a blast. Hopefully this winter she can come so we can quilt for a week... And my parents are doing rather well and still able to travel. My husband is somewhat settling into his new calling. Everyday a new question arises. We seem to find the answer and we move on. We both are learning ALOT. My kids are doing well. So life is good.

Yes,that's me. Our final days skiing

Paul tearin' up the river.

Attention Shoppers!

2010-09-03T12:52:00.003-06:00

Today I bought 15 bags of Kraft cheese and 1 container of Tide. Total Cost?
$2.45. If your not cashing in on the Kraft promo your missing out. Call me if you don't know how to do it. It's going on thru Tuesday of next week. In Cali. too.

Wedding

2010-09-02T21:01:00.001-06:00

The wedding was so much fun. Emily did a great job taking the pictures and we love them. Thank you Em! Thanks to the girls that helped during the reception they were a blast to work with and Kim loved them!

Lonely Days

2010-08-29T13:39:00.002-06:00

You have to watch this. Made me laugh and I thought of my Paul. He would totally do this for me. Love him. (Sunday's are long days without him. I miss him.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLjWDKu0jfM&feature=player_embedded

Recipe Surfing

2010-08-28T09:25:00.006-06:00

I found a couple of new sites thanks to Brooke and Elise... This one "Three Many Cooks" has wonderful ideas and the "Pioneer Woman" is awesome. Check it out and enjoy. Let me know if you get inspired...(you'll have to copy and paste the url)

http://vimeo.com/11696182
http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Also while your at it... check out Brooke's bridal pictures. So beautiful.
http://momentpix.blogspot.com/

Wedding Bells

2010-08-17T14:30:00.003-06:00

What a whirlwind of activites. It's very sureel to have one of your children get married. What a bitter sweet time in someones life. Brooke and Colton were married August 14th. Paul was able to marry them and what a sweet tender moment for him. We laughed, cried, and were nervous all at the same time. We had a few moments together... The whole event went off with no problems and we were pleasantly surprised by the turnout. About 350 people came to the reception to greet the two families and the two "lovebirds". Who are at the present time in Cancun enjoying themselves relaxing and enjoying this sweet moment in their lives.

The whole party was everything we expected it to be. The food was wonderful, the decor beautiful and of course all the people invovled were so gracious to do anything we asked of them. Thank you to you all.

Cali Trip

2010-08-06T09:10:00.008-06:00

Went to Cali. for my dad's 80th birthday party. We saw lots of family and friends. It was busy but some of us managed to go to the beach, shop and hang out. The weather was great and we really enjoyed each other. When you only have a short time to visit you really try to savor the moments. That's what's important. Life is good.

Paul and Colt Surfing. They were in the water all day. Came home like little lobsters. Kenzi was out there too but I don't have a pic of her. She was so good at it, some people asked her on the beach if she knew where a good place was to eat. "I'm not from here, I'm from Idaho..." They thought she was a local. She looked so good with the board and wet suit!

The "Motley Crew"

My dad and mom

Brooke and Kenzi at farmers market sharing a carmel apple w/ m&m's...

Paul, Kenzi, JR,(nephew)Colt and Brooke Framers Market is the best place to be in SLO on Thursday nights. Tons of people come from the valley and the food is great and the fresh produce is awesome. We ate so much fresh fruit. It was a lot of fun.

Jaimie (neice) Brooke, Colt, Ging, my sis, Paul and Kenzi Koo

It's Been Too Long...

2010-07-19T16:14:00.013-06:00

Heellloo fellow bloggers! I'm still alive and kickin' and doing ok thru the month of July. Lots of stuff happening at our house. Where do I begin? We had a great party of the 4th of July. Lots of family and friends here. Kenzi got to come home for a few days and we enjoy her of course. Colton and Brooke are still doing plans for the wedding which are in full swing. It's going to be wonderful. And for those who don't know our news, Paul will be able to marry them because he is now Heyburn 2nd ward's Bishop! Yes that's right, we're all still in shock and probably will be for quite sometime. It hit me out of the blue, Paul had some idea. We were doing alot of praying and I was thinking "whats going on here?" not that praying is not the norm in our household but it was how often and what was being prayed for. We're in full swing and it should be interesting to say the least.
We will be going to SLO in two weeks for my dad's 80th b-day party. We have alot of fun stuff planned for that and can't wait to take a little vaca...

We had a great family dinner here on Sunday after church. Great food of course and 4 of the sisters were here. It was a very nice day and we really enjoyed each other's company.

Terrill, Denise and Carlene, They're a hoot...
Ez, Colt, Brooke and Kenzi

Tiffany, Joslyn, Elise and Kenzi at the family dinner on Sunday

Alison gave Brooke a very nice shower on Saturday and it was alot of fun. The food was delicious and the decor was fab. Thank you to my great friend!

Brooke received alot of nice things for their home and cute aprons to help her out in the kitchen!

Kenzi and Brook at the bridal shower

A BIG Week In Review

2010-06-22T00:13:00.008-06:00

On June 12th we went to Logan to watch Kenzi in her final dance recital for the year. It was wonderful and of course she danced beautifully. We enjoyed each other's company and we're so glad we got to see her.

This was a cute little Father's Day gift I made for Paul before I left for my little vaca. So Cute. He loved it. Had all his favorite candy in it.

After being in Logan that day, Paul and I traveled to SL and spent the night and the next morning I flew to Reno to meet my mom and sister for a wonderful week in Tahoe. Our annual trip with each other. We joined our cousins, aunt and uncle. It was a great time. We laughed, we ate, shopped, some gambled, we read, walked around the great little community of Tahoe Meadows, we ate, shopped, laid around and thats about it. It's nice to get away and always wonderful to come home. The weather has been better and we hope for sunny days here in Idaho!

These are some of the girl's that were apart of our family trip. Me, Debra, Angelina, Julie (in the back) Tierza, just graduated from Arroyo Grande Police Academy, Yeh!, Ginger, Mom and Aunt Patty.
This is what happens to you when you have alittle too much to drink... and your cousin plays tricks on her favorite boy cousin. :)

Me and the girls at the Lakeside Casino watching the Laker's Game on the jumbo screen. Lakers all the Way!

Oh and by the way... saved $42 at Walmart today. LOL :)

Brooke and Colton

2010-06-09T18:20:00.002-06:00

You have to click here to see what gorgeous children I have! Brooke and Colton's engagement pictures. I don't know how they will choose. http://momentpix.blogspot.com/

Kenzi's Birthday

2010-06-02T21:18:00.005-06:00

Not only did I coupon shop on Monday, May 31st. It was also Kenzi's birthday. She was home for 4 days and it was alot of fun. Her and I of course cooked, watched Golden Girls, for the 100th time. I think I've seen every episode at least 10 times... shopped, did laundry and watched Blindside. Love that movie. She is hilarious and keeps us in stitches all the time. We listen to music (very loud) and she loves old rock n roll and glamour rock. It's so funny when she says she's in love with Tom Petty. What? I was in love with Tom Petty. The surfer dude when I was in high school. Too funny. She's a whopping 19. Aaaggh! Her cake was so cool. It tasted really great too. (I did not make the cake) Happy Birthday to our little Kenzi Roo!

Memorial Day Savings

2010-05-31T10:47:00.005-06:00

I hurried down to Albies this morning to get my good deals. It's such a blast getting all this stuff. I know it seems alot but when it comes to some items, I know the items we go through regularly and I really like to stock up. The Sweet Baby Ray's shelf life Aug. 2011. That's our favorite, the sour cream, thru June 30th. We go thru at least, 2 containers a week. So I know those won't go bad.
I'm proud to say that OOP was... $32.78. Whoot Whoot! Saved $ 66.19. That is awesome savings!
Now I wouldn't normally buy those quantities if I was just regular grocery shopping, but thats how you stock up and now I won't be buying sauce for quite a while. It's pretty funny when the cashier rings up 2 bottles of barbie sauce and 1 sour cream and the total is .78 cents. HA!
OR you get 4 pkgs. of jumbo hot dogs and 2 sour creams and the total is .70 cents. HA! Love the coupon shopping. :)

The Kitchen is Finished!

2010-05-29T22:52:00.006-06:00

Remember the old burnt orange countertops and ugly walnut stained cabinets? Well... heres the new look. I love it. My husband can work wonders.

Moved the microwave to a shelf by the stove to give me more room on the counter

If you don't remember what the old stuff looked like you can scroll down a ways and check it out.

Isaac

2010-05-27T20:35:00.004-06:00

This is my special friend Isaac. I picked him up on Tuesday morning and brought him back to my house to hang out with me while his mom did some shopping and running errands. You see I've seen him in action at the grocery store with three other siblings in tow and I gotta tell you, that Erin (the mom) is one patient little person. He does just about what every other 3 year old does. Let's just say he doesn't like shopping... well he might like it but when he doesn't get what he wants... you know the rest of the story.

So at that moment I said to myself, when I get a chance I'm going to have him come to my house and let Erin have a break to get some serious shopping done.
It was really quite fun. I felt like a grandma. Am I that old? Unfortunately yes I am. I had lots of fun new things for him to play with. Bubbles, a guy with a helmet and a four wheeler, crayons and a coloring book. Those items are "grandma" stuff. We threw sticks in the river and watched Zoe jump in after them. I showed him the water and we talked about falling off the dock and how cold it would be to land in the water. And I explained to him that if he fell in I would have to jump in after him and the water is so cold right now I would probably have a heart attack, then there wouldn't be anybody to help me and we would really be in a mess. Not sure if he caught all of that. He wanted to test his independnce. I was up on the back patio planting flowers when all of a sudden he flew down the hill onto the dock. I thought , OK I'm going to remain calm, I called to him "Remember what we talked about, not too close to the edge" He said "OK Kaarla". I love his little voice. He didn't get too close, threw the pine cone in and ran back up the hill where I was. Now if that had been me at age 20 something I would have freaked thinking he would fall into the water yadda yadda yadda, but I wanted him to feel independent. Now I know that doesn't always happen, kids don't really listen to what you tell them most of the time but I think it helped us build a better bond between the two of us. He just wanted to see what he could do.

He didn't want to leave when him mom came to pick him up so he stayed alittle while longer. Watching TV he got pretty tired and decided it was time to go.

I was alittle beat after he left and had to lie down myself. I guess I was on my toes watching that little guy. All in all it was a good day and I have a great little friend named Isaac.

I can't wait for him to come again.

Sunday

2010-05-23T19:55:00.002-06:00

All yesterday and into the late evening it snowed, rained and froze. Can you believe it? Paul and I figured that we have been outside for a total of 4 days in 7 months. That's not very many days. We're hoping the sun will come out permanently and our summer will be on it's way...
I found this post today and want to share. I find Stephanie inspiring and when I read about her, my cares are minimal. I'm thankful for the gospel in my life. I love the Lord and I am so thankful I can pray to a Heavenly Father that listens and answers my prayers.
http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages?v=KHDvxPjsm8E

Albies Savings Today

2010-05-17T11:56:00.005-06:00

So... here we go, weeeee!Got all this stuff for $5.60 OOP

Saved $24.81 Now thats a good deal. :0 The Capri Suns were free, on sale for $2 and had coupons worth $2. So I only paid the tax and the pectin was only .99 cents. The JD sauce was $1.49.

I also shopped at this store in Rupert called Ridleys, I don't go there very much but I have been checking their ads thanks to a fellow coupon shopper, Jackie. Got all this stuff for $12.96, saved $23.46. Not bad. The sauce has an experation of Aug. 2011. So it will stay on the shelf for quite awhile. This sauce cost me only .49 ea. the razors were $1.99 and the toothbrushes were .88 cents. Waited alittle too long and lost out on the .75 coupon I had. It expired. They should have only cost me .13 cents. Darn. But still an ok deal at .88 cents.

My First Two Weeks in May

2010-05-12T16:00:00.008-06:00

We celebrated Ez's birthday on May 2. Holy cow he's 26! I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. I thought I was gonna die... But I didn't. He weighed 9 lbs, 20" long. That birth was somethin'! I had all my kids naturally mostly because my laboring was pretty quick and I just didn't want any drugs, wanted to be in control thru the whole thing, imagine that and if that's possible at all to be in control when your in labor.
Only 5 hours start to finish. He's a great kid and we have enjoyed him being around. We love you Ez!

That means Paul and I have been married 27 years TODAY. Yikes! We met at Ricks College and I fell for that "bad boy" thing. Dated for four years then got hitched at the LA temple. Good times.

For some of you coming home to the trash can in the front of your house might not be a big deal, but I know what that means... something is being demolished, torn apart or out. I came home to this lovely kitchen. It's not that bad though, Colton and Paul had everything put back together and cleaned up. We will be putting on new counter tops, yeh! and we're going to paint the cabinets black with alittle distressing. AND maybe a new oven. Since the wedding is coming and we're going to be preparing alot of food here it only seems fitting to spruce up the place alittle. I'm so excited. Can't wait.

Score at Albies Today

2010-05-04T15:42:00.001-06:00

Today was a good shopping day. 10 boxes of cereal, 3 boxes of little Drumette ice cream cones, 1 Frebreeze, 1 lg. Cascade, 1 lg. Downey fabric softner, 1 lg. Daisy sour cream $24.91. Saved $60.19. Cha Ching!

My Weekend with Kenz

2010-04-26T20:07:00.003-06:00

Kenzi and I during Easter

I traveled to Logan this weekend to spend time with Kenzi. She had a dance competition on Saturday so I went to be supportive. I got there Friday around 2:00 thinking I would have a couple of hours before she got off work to shop at places she really doesn't like to go. I was in Hobby Lobby 10 minutes and she called to find out where I was. She bounced in the store and it was over. We went to the campus to turn in a paper her end of the year project on eating disorders and then checked in to our hotel. We lounged and then went to eat. Sat. was the competition at 8am. We had a big break so off to the mall and grocery shopping. We also did 5 loads of laundry and then we made sandwiches and fresh salsa at her apartment and watched "Golden Girls". Her very favorite thing to do. She said "see mom just like at home... this is what I do all the time. " Shes so funny. Just a couple of years ago I would have never thought she wanted anything to do with home. But I'm wrong. She really does like home and me and we're good friends. We laughed and had touching moments. I love her. It's great to have a daughter that you can be friends with. She's finding herself, living life and trying to figure it all out. She's one of the best things in my life.

Busy Bees

2010-04-21T19:04:00.003-06:00

I had the opportunity to go to the Bishop's storehouse today and get some groceries for someone I visit teach. The program is set up for members who are in need of items when they can't make ends meet in their monthly budget.
The order was taken in early this morning and I was there around 10:30 am. I walked into this quaint little warehouse that look just like a mini market. Right away I was greeted from not one but three helpers. I gave them the name I was picking up for and right away they had the order in their hands. Three volunteers ( busy little bees) started to pull things from the shelves. Canned tomatoes, corn, beans, peaches, spaghetti, personal items, cleaning items, fresh veges and fruit. Frozen meat, milk. In the span of 10 minutes my order was ready. During that time I had 5-6 other volunteers making sure that I had been helped. During that time I felt overwhelmed from the spirit whispering in my ear that these were little angels here on this earth helping one person at a time. As I stood there and watched my eyes were full of tears thinking of all the lives they were blessing that day. I was alittle embarrassed standing there with tears falling down my face but it couldn't be helped. I know the person I was taking the groceries to, is and was ever grateful.
I love the church and the testimony I have. I live everyday to try and not judge others. Sometimes that's difficult but we must never judge until we have walked in others shoes. The only person we should compare ourselves to is the person we were yesterday.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to have been able to witness all those sweet people today working diligently and giving of their time so freely. What a great thing we have is to serve.

Haiti

2010-04-19T14:04:00.001-06:00

I just thought this was cool. I follow a blog about a family who adopted a Haitian child and I found this. They are joining forces with this organiztion to help more kids. Pretty cool what poeple do unselfishly.http://www.haitianroots.com/blog/?p=232

My Albies Savings Today

2010-04-13T11:39:00.003-06:00

This is good. . . All this stuff WOULD have cost me $55.08. Out of pocket $19.96. That's a savings of $35.12. Wooohooo! This lunch meat is the cheapest way to make lunches for Colton and Paul since three sandwiches a day go out of here. So I'm excited about this score. One of my transactions for the deli meat was only $4.24. That's only $1.30 per package. Regularly $3.99, but they were on sale for $2.50. Using the coupons and the doubler from Albies. Thats how you thrifty shop! :)

SLO Town

2010-04-12T17:37:00.004-06:00

I have this blog I follow called The Pleated Poppy. Come to find out she is from my home town!

San Luis Obispo. I was so excited. These pictures are from the creek downtown where I always hung out at a favorite restaurant called The Spindle. The best sandwiches and salads ever. I'm not kidding. It was so fun to go down there on a spring or summer day and hang out. They always had live bands playing. Me and my friends spent alot of time there. Every time I go home I go the the Spindle and have lunch. It's inside this quaint little indoor mall called The Network. It really brings back alot of memories for me. Those were the days...

Also she was taking some pictures of herself, funny girl and from the clothes she's wearing, it's alot warmer there then it is here. Imagine that.

Zoe Bakes

2010-04-11T19:50:00.001-06:00

This is a new baker I found. She's the one that teaches how to make artsian bread in five minutes. She has great recipes. Check her site out.

Zoe Bakes

It's Official!

2010-04-10T12:17:00.003-06:00

Colton and Brooke are engaged. He proposed to her Thursday morning at the Boise airport before she flew to DC to be with her sisters. She's running a 10K tomorrow and we wish her luck. The ring is beautiful and BIG and we love her. They are thinking of August 14 for the big day. It's exciting...

Break Bread

2010-04-05T18:24:00.003-06:00

OK, I was blog stalking today and found this post about making the easiest bread ever. And you know what? It is and it was. So simple Check out the You Tube and see how easy it is. I made the bread and I couldn't keep the guys out of it. You let the extra dough sit in the fridge for up to two weeks and the better flavor you get out of your dough. I have a hard time not kneading or handling the dough because that's all the recipes you read out there. I've been learning how to make the Lyon House rolls. So good and I'm getting pretty good at it.

This is so different. You literally mix it up in a plastic container, I used a shoe box type with a wooden spoon, let it raise, shaped it and let it raise again. So simple and so yummy! Check it out. You'll be pleasantly surprise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSOoH686_b8&feature=related

Spring Where Are You?

2010-04-05T09:06:00.003-06:00

Ugh! Snow and cold, cold, cold. No fun going on here. But we're hopeful.
We had a nice weekend with everyone home. Kenzi had to work Sunday afternoon so we had our Easter dinner on Saturday. It was great of course. Kenzi is still learning a lot from her job and has very interesting stories to tell. She's trying to find a roomate to stay in Logan during the summer but so far no luck. :( Ez went to a different job this weekend and will not be selling cars anymore. He will be working with a local company here selling parts for motorcycles and then eventually they will be opening a wake boarding center along with their boats and water crafts. It's his true love. So he's excited about that. He learned alot from Adam and appreciated his time at Hansen Chevrolet. Colt is still working with Paul and planning his future...
Mom and dad are in Mexico and they felt the earthquake that happened on Sunday afternoon. They called to tell us everyone was OK. They started to feel the shake then Wade yelled at them to get out of the house. Kinda scary thinking about your 80 year old parents hurrying out of the house. They were fine. I asked dad if mom was nervous and he said she only gets nervous if I think I'm having a heart attack. Great. . . Mom's a trooper. They will stay in Baja for another week then home. I'm glad they're healthy enough to keep going. We will be planning dad's 80th b-day party this August. Can't wait to go home for a week.

What the Heck?

2010-04-02T10:31:00.002-06:00

OK I've just been going thru my mail, it's been about a week and I'm cleaning off my desk. I have in the mail something from AARP and now death benefits to pay off my funeral in case I have no money. What the hell? I'm not even 50 yet and they're writin' me off. I refuse to even look at that crap. I can still do as headstand and handstand everyday... to keep up and... and... and... can shop all day long and not get tired without a diet to keep me going! So there!

Review for March

2010-04-02T10:21:00.003-06:00

So just to let you know what I did couponing this month.
Total $1007.12
Saved $491.33
OOP $515.79
Thats an average of $130.00 per week. Not bad for buying multiples of items, 16 boxes of cereal, (I was forbidded to buy anymore...) TP, canned corn, frozen juice for summer, sausage, canned broth. I love my couponing!

It's Been Along Time. . .

2010-03-29T16:33:00.002-06:00

Yes, I'm still here, seems like I fell off the face of the earth doesn't it? I feel like it too! Just alot happening here, but mostly we've all been sick. With the flu and colds it hasn't been pretty. But
we are on the uphill swing, Ez is the last today 4 days and running for him, so hopefully we can be done with this stuff and move on!
Kenzi is doing great still with her job, will be coming home this weekend for Easter. Colt is working with Paul and Ez is still selling cars. Everyone is content at the moment. Yeh!
I did my coupon shopping today. Would have spent $223.77 but with savings, spent $104.00.
Pretty darn good if I don't say so myself. :)
Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post over the weekend. I hope everyone enjoys their Easter weekend.

Is Spring on It's Way?

2010-03-01T10:25:00.001-07:00

Wow! I'm feeling trunky for spring, how about you? I received the new Pottery Barn catalog and it's full of great ideas to decorate your home. I love looking at the book and then seeing how I can come up with the same ideas for a fraction of the cost. I'm on the prowl... I'll be showing you updates. Stay tuned! AND Happy Early Spring!

My Valentines Weekend

2010-02-18T21:46:00.003-07:00

So no one has written about what their hubbies got them for valentines day. Come on girls fill me in!
My weekend was great. We left on Sat. afternoon headed to SL. We had dinner at our favorite place, In and Out Burger... which is now in UT. Protein cheeseburger, animal style! Extra crispy fries and a diet. Heaven! We of course stayed at Little America :) ate all the chocolate we brought and watched the Olympics. Slept in had a great breakfast and cruised around and looked at cars. It was great. So relaxing without any deadlines.
We drove to Logan Sunday afternoon, had a late lunch with Kenzi and caught up with her. She is doing so great and still loving the job.
It was a great time to re-connect. I can't imagine loving Paul anymore than I do. But everyday I still do and we tell each other we can't imagine living without the other. We have a pretty sweet life he and I!

Family Night

2010-02-09T17:34:00.002-07:00

This is the last thing I should be doing at this very moment because it's almost dinner time and I should be working on it, but I have to "blog" about our family home evening last night. On Sunday when I was sitting in church I had an epiphany... big word but love it. I figured out that maybe because we have the two boys at home for a short time we have a "second chance." I told Paul what I was feeling and he feels the same way. We have made some goals for ourselves that we are going to have family prayer and family home evening on a regular basis. We have been doing it and it's working out rather nicely.
Last night our lesson was from an article from Elder Holland about Lot's wife and how she turned back to look at the city that was in ruins, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Lord specifically told her not to look back. When she did, she didn't obey, she turned into a pillar of salt. She thought that nothing that lay ahead could possibly be as good as what she was leaving behind. The object of the lesson was to look forward in faith and not look back at past mistakes. Repent for what you have done, don't waller in the past and look forward with faith knowing that you are doing everything you can to be a better person and make something of yourself in life. The Lord will not remember what you have done and he will forgive and forget. God doesn't care about where you have been as he does about where you are and if your willing to go forward with his help.
Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there.
We had a great discussions with the boys and the spirit was strong. Paul gave a beautiful family prayer. I'm thankful to him and his leadership. I love my boys, I'm glad they're here. Maybe this "second chance" thing will be good.

It's Already February

2010-02-08T21:09:00.002-07:00

I really love Valentines Day. I guess I'm just the ole romantic at heart. Aloooong time ago Paul wasn't very intuitive...and so during my counseling days, (that was alooong time ago too) I learned that if you want something specific for Valentines Day you have to tell your husband and never leave caution to the wind. Men just don't get it, so if you think that your husband is going to "get it" for a valentines gift think again sister! You have to tell him exactly what you want. They are just to... a nice word would be pre-occupied. Give him a couple of suggestions so they have time to get something that may not be in their reach. I'm telling you what, it really works. I love getting flowers. About 11 years ago that's what I told Paul I wanted and that's what I got for Valentines Day. Been getting flowers ever since. Along with anything else I think I might have a chance in receiving. This year I told him I thought it would be nice to go to SL and stay in Little America. So we'll see... Don't get mad at your hubbies just cause you've been married for so many years and you think they should know, they won't. So don't be disappointed this year. Go ahead tell them.

Let me know if any of you take my advice and share with all of us what happens.

Walgreens Savings

2010-02-01T20:12:00.002-07:00

I have to post this because it's pretty fun. My Wallys total before coupons, $44.10. Savings of $30.98, OOP $13.12 Yea! Pretty nifty!

We Have Another Birdie Home...

2010-02-01T18:04:00.007-07:00

Empty nesting only lasted for about two months and then a little birdie came home and now we have another. Isn't that great?... It's not really that bad Paul and I just laugh. The two boys are here trying to get back on track again and get alittle push from the parent's. Colt spent a few months looking for a job and nothing came of it. So... he's here working with Paul and YES! we have some work. Three jobs to be exact. I think it will take us into March or April. So Colt will be working with Paul and start paying off school loans and saving money.
(Sshh, but I think he wants to ask Brooke to marry him) so he needs some money in the bank. :) It's fun to have them here and I think it will be fine. Kenzi loves her job and is looking for an apartment to live in Logan during the summer. She is dancing and has some performances coming up so we will be going to Utah to watch her.

This is pretty cool. My niece, Ashli sent this Amaryllis to me for my birthday the first part of Dec. I received on the 10th to be exact and here it is today. It is so beautiful. It's a light peach and white color, two beautiful blooms with another one ready to pop. I don't know how long they will last but we love looking at them. Also I forgot that Ez took a picture of the eagle in the tree that was in the backyard a couple of weeks ago. It's pretty cool. Hope you can see it.

Kenzi Got a Job!

2010-01-27T19:34:00.005-07:00

Kenzi got a job this last week. We are so excited. She is one of 6 chefs at a eating disorder clinic in Logan. There are two facilities, adult and adolescent. She has worked in both places and has decided that she likes the younger girls better. They are eager to learn and are really full of life. All the girls help prepare meals, clean up and Kenzi eats and associates with them. She will be a great source of inspiration and a positive influence in their lives. You can go here to read about the facilities http://www.avalonhills.org/
It really is amazing and they have wonderful reviews.
It's a world I'm not familiar with and thank goodness I hope never to be. Kenzi said she fights back tears and has alot of empathy for the girls that are there. I know she is going to learn alot about life. What a great experience.

Haiti

2010-01-26T09:13:00.003-07:00

If you want to follow a remarkable story about a couples journey to get their adoptive kids to the US go here. Make sure you have kleenex cause you'll need it. And maybe you'll feel inspired to help them out.

http://www.countdowntohomecoming.blogspot.com/

My Quiet Sunday

2010-01-24T19:48:00.004-07:00

All of the kids were gone this weekend. Meaning Ez went to SL with friends to a missionary farewell, Colt and Kenzi were at their own apts. It's a great time for Paul and I to have quiet time together and do whatever. I like it...
Today in our RS lesson we talked about unconditional love from our Heavenly Father. He lays down for us "laws" that we need to obey. Just as we lay down "rules" for our own children. Our heavenly father may not like the choices we make, but will always love us. If we keep his "laws" there are great blessings for us to enjoy. If we don't then we only receive mediocre blessings.
I especially love the scripture in John 8:11 when Jesus came across the adulteress woman and said to her, not condemning the woman but said "Go, and sin no more". He was still kind and loving to her but stern. We as parents often have the same experiences with our own children. We love them, we don't like their actions but we still love them and they know it. I know my children know this because they have told me that.
I love my children. I know my parents love me, I know my Heavenly Father loves me and for this I'm thankful.

The Douglass Fam

2010-01-20T13:00:00.003-07:00

Heres some pictures that were taken in November. Emily does a great job and we love them! My family is beautiful and we really had a blast, even if we were kicked off the train tracks by the Heyburn cop... It was fun. (There you go Ez ...)
Check out the rope. That is our family totally!

The men in our family with Zoe

Studs...

The Eagle Has Landed

2010-01-18T22:28:00.004-07:00

Today we enjoyed 50 degree weather and we felt like it was spring. Paul, Kenz and I went outside and laid on the deck for about a 1/2 hour. It was wonderful. We soaked in the rays for as long as we could. The river was beautiful. They're were some little patches of ice floating along and it was cool. After we went inside, cleaning and hanging out, Kenzi said, "There's an awfully big bird in the tree." We looked out and it was an Eagle. He had a pretty good size fish in his beak and was hanging on with those huge talons just chomping away. It was the coolest thing ever watching him devour that fish. It is amazing how big and strong he was. When he was done which was all of about 10 min. he just sat there perched for about another 10. Finally he spread his beautiful wings and flew across the river. He found alittle patch of ice and sat for a moment then away he went again.
How lucky we are to live in this little piece of heaven. I love it...

Yummy Dinner

2010-01-14T17:14:00.002-07:00

I made this great meal from this blog I read, given to me by my friend Erin called "Smitten Kitchen". She lives in NYC and cooks and writes about food. I made her recipe which she actually got from a chef in NY who owns a restaurant called "The Little Owl" anyhoo... Meatball Sliders. So good! I also made a delish risotto with sausage and homemade spaghetti sauce. So good. You can go to her blog and find any recipe for anytime of the year and whatever you decide to make you will not be sorry. I have made several things and everything is wonderful.

Bon Appetit! http://www.smittenkitchen.com/

High School Reunion

2010-01-12T14:22:00.002-07:00

I do have to tell you my readers one fun thing that happened to me when I was home taking care of mom.
My high school had a five year reunion between 1978 - 1983. I went with my brother and his wife. It was pretty fun because... No one recognized me! They all had to look at my name tag to see who I was. One guy said, who I hung out alot with, "Holy S---! You look like a movie star! You look awesome!" He did not know who I was. I was so taken back I almost choked. Then I was talking to the cutest guy in my class, football star, quarter back, everyone wanted to be with him... and I had a hot flash! I was sweating so profusely I couldn't even get a grip. Sweat was running down the side of my face, perspiration on my upper lip, my hair was going limp, wow it was bad. But I got thru it and when I turned to leave he said, "Wow, Karla you look terrific." Yeh! That was the highlight of my year. (So far) Were only on Jan. 12th.
It really is true when they say the guys look bad that were so cute and the girls get better and better. It's true!

I'm Shoppin' Again!

2010-01-11T18:58:00.002-07:00

Here's my thrifty savings for today:

Walgreens: $96.48 OOP$39.30 Savings of $57.18 Check out the mayo spent $2.23 ea on those bad boys... $1.99 for the batteries and .33 cents for the soup. The razors were buy one get one free @ $5.00 and the chicken stock .59 cents ea. Love it! :)

Target: $79.27 OOP $43.95 Savings of $35.32

So today I spent approx. $83.00 for all this stuff and it went into my food storage. I love it. I think thats quite a bit of stuff and savings!

My Family in Cali!

2010-01-09T13:53:00.003-07:00

This is the Saturday we brought my mom home and had 30 people at the house for Christmas dinner. I was alittle hammered! Me and Ging pulled it off and it was a success. Help from all family members was greatly appreciated!
Here's my mom and dad. My older brother on the left, my more mature sister, and my baby brother in front of me. We had a nice visit while we were all together. I love them all in their unique way. We all have something to bring to the table and it's great. My mother is doing better everyday. The blood pressure is down a bit and cholesterol high. Those two things are being treated "aggressively". Mom's doctor is Dr. Kienle, very young and cute and needless to say we all three girls get along great with him. We make him laugh... :)

Things are almost back to normal here at our house. Kenzi leaves tomorrow to go back to school, Colton is in Boise looking for a job so that leaves us with Ez. He is doing well at work and has sold 4 cars in two weeks. Go Ez! I'm glad to be home even though the weather back in Cali is 70 most of the time and here, well, it's damn cold!

I'm Comin' Home!

2009-12-31T23:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight is New Year's Eve. I will be flying home tomorrow and I can't wait. My family has been missing their mom and ready for her to come home. So is Papa...
My mom is doing well. She gets alittle tired but still is on the mend. I hope she will stick to her re-cooperating instructions and stay low for alittle while longer.
Elise have you had the baby yet? Hang in there! I will call you as soon as I get back!

Just Checking In

2009-12-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

Today was spent washing blankets, alittle grocery shopping and cleaners. My dad is hilarious. He is getting absent minded and looks so much like my grandma Elda every day. He forgets where he puts his wallet and doesn' t remember to close any door or turn off the TV. WOW! It's different watching your parents age. He also says to watch out because if you or anything hits the floor, you'll get thrown in the washer! He was looking for his favorite blankets today to take his nap and they were no where to be found. He was alittle upset about that. He He...
Mom is burnt out today. She obviously did too much the last two days and she is paying for it. I literally had to run around after her yesterday about not lifting too much, bringing wood in for the wood stove, which by the way is consistently 50 degrees here but rainy, going up and down the stairs, you just name it I'm trying not to let her do it. But... can't keep a good woman down. Her neck looks very good where she had her incision. She is starting to feel all the feeling coming back in her neck and chin. Today she sat 90% of the day and let everyone around her do what they needed. I'm hoping tomorrow she will feel and look better.
Things are quiet on the Douglass home front. Colt is in mild pain and doesn't want to take the pain pills anymore. They make him alittle irritable... :( Kenzi called and she has made dinners, done laundry, fed the animals and has been taking very good care of the men in our family. Love that girl. But she is in no hurry to get hitched. Being the mom is alot of hard work! Job well done babe.
I hope to come home this weekend. I miss my cozy living room and my hubby, snuggled up in the big chair he got for us to sit together while we watch movies. He's such a romantic. My life there is great and I can't wait to get back and be with my fam. Love you guys! Plus, I wanna open my Christmas presents!

Christmas Has Come and Went

2009-12-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

Well things are never dull around the Douglass household. We have had an exciting holiday season. I was just getting back on my feet and feeling like I had everything under control. . .
When I received a phone call from my sister telling me that they had admitted my mother into emergency. She had had a mini stroke and they were trying to find out what exactly was going on. WOW! A few days went by and with MRI's, cat scans, sonograms they finally found that she had a blocked carotid artery. 80% blockage. Extremely serious for a woman at her age, 82. So Tuesday night at 10:00 pm my brother called from SL and said he was leaving Wed. morning for Cali, she was due for surgery Thurs. morning, Christmas eve. So...I thru clothes in my bag for at least a week and Wed. am Paul drove me to SL. Mom had her surgery Thurs. morning and everything went very well. She's very luckey she has had no side effects from the little stroke she did have. The doctor which BTW was a totally cool guy that grew up in my county and two of the four brothers are both outstanding heart surgeons between two counties. The hospital and staff are completely top notch and it was re-assuring that she had the utmost care all the way around. The doctor told us that was extremely lucky that she didn't die because of how severe the blockage was and someone at her age. We feel very blessed to still have mom here with us. She's recuperating well and really you can't even tell she was in surgery two days ago. We brought her home yesterday and she looks fabulous today. We had our Christmas dinner tonite 30 people here, I'm alittle tired. . . but we pulled it off with alot of help with family members. BTW the food was fab! I will stay here for another week just to be sure mom is on her feet and get her into some follow ups with the docs.
Here she is my cute mom two days after her surgery feeling great and ready to go! Crazy!

My husband has pulled off another fantastic job with my kids. He did Christmas eve, stuffed stockings and made sure everything was ready for Christmas day. Kenzi made a fabulous dinner and everyone enjoyed each other. I have never been without my husband or kids for Christmas. that was alittle heartbreaking. But we survived. Today all the kids went snowboarding and to our dismay Colton crashed and fractured his sternum. OUCH! He is out of c0mmision for a couple of weeks. Paul delt with that today as well without me. Whew! That guy is going to receive a halo for sure. He has really gone beyond the call of duty. I love that guy. :) Bless his heart.
So they say "things" come in three's, swine flu, my mom and Colton, so I'm hoping things are thru with the Douglass family and we can get into some nomal activites. Stay tuned though you never know! :)

I'm Back!

2009-12-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Whew! That was a week to remember... For those of you who don't know I have been sick with the "swine flu" and that name does it justice. I can see now why prego moms, young children, the elderly should not get this horrible bug that creeps up on you just because it tricks you every time you turn around. After the first 24 hours I thought ok, this can't get any worse but after lying on the floor into the wee hours of the mornings, get that plural... meaning, more than one hour and more than one day, I thought ok this is pretty bad. Between the horrible stomach pains and fevers, on the fourth day the exessive vomiting had subsided but the potty breaks just kept coming. Day five, yeh! I felt almost half human. Kenzi was coming home and I know she was ready to help out.
My wonderful, kind, patient husband has been hovering over me for a solid week, helping me in and out of the tub, which was sometimes twice a day because the aches and pains were so excruciating that not even Motrin would touch it. Giving me tiny sips of of whatever I thought I could keep down, and running the household. I did hear him comment that he felt he had done more in one day taking care of things amd hadn't even left the house. He really appreciates what I do daily.
Today is day 7 and I'm feeling at a 3 which 10 was the worst. I'm really weak, lost 8 lbs. :) but
I'm almost ready to get back in the saddle. Just alittle more shopping, Kenzi and I will bake on Saturday, wrap presents then we will be ready!
Thank you to my friends who called and text to see how I was. Don't feel bad if I didn't talk to you I Just couldn't talk. And thank you to Amy for dinner on Monday night. The boys loved it. I only hope you bring it again so I can try it!

Something Fun

2009-12-03T23:04:00.000-07:00

If you like Vera Bradley bags go here now. For just a few more days you can get a 20% discount at check out. Some really cute things on sale, plus the discount you can pick up some fun Christmas gifts. Happy Shopping!

http://athriftymom.com/2009/12/vera-bradley-addition-20-off/

I'm Still Here

2009-11-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

OK I've survived another week. I really thought I needed something and a few times asked for some tranquilizers but no one obliged me. That's ok. I got thru the week hardcore just like I deliver babies, no drugs. You learn a helluva lot more. . .
Talking to my mom this morning, dad is really loosing his little mind and is very forgetful. It's weird to think of that happening to your parent's. Mom is as spry as anyone in her path. We joke because it's her that's pulling me and my sis down the mall hallways. She outdoes us. I'm homesick this time of year. Always have been since living here. Not that I don't like being here, but I just miss shopping and baking with those girls and doing a fun craft together. I love them.
Stay tuned for some fun times ahead with TG. Everyone will be home on Wednesday and it will be great. :D

Just a Moment

2009-11-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

I've decided that we are put on this earth to learn from our experiences and though we may not like what is put in front of us it is up to us to decipher how we handle our challenges. Being a woman of faith and relying on the Lord is sometimes all we have. Sometimes what I want to do (throw a fit, rant, rave, swear, carry on crying... and I've already done this) is not always the best choice... but I can tell you it does make you feel better :)
People need to understand that we ALL have a past and we ALL have a future. Have you heard of the saying "People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones?" What that means is, you should not criticize other people for having the same faults that you yourself have. People really need to take a look at themselves or their own families before they speak. Because when you talk of other's and it comes back around, it's hurtful. But we are here is learn patience, longsuffering, kindness, turn the other cheek. Those are the virtues I'm working on today. They're tough but they're there for a reason. I have to believe that. That's why I'm here on this earth. If other's choose not to learn those virtues, they're loss my gain. I have to believe that.

My Albies Deal for the Week

2009-11-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

This week didn't have many great deals at Albertsons but this one is the best. Sparkle paper towels 8 pack : 4 pkgs. @ $10.39 $41.56

On sale 4 pkgs @ 5.00 $20.00

Instant $3 off when you

buy two (bought 4) -6.00

Had 4 $1 off coupons -4.00

Grand total for 4 pkgs. $10.00

That's a whopping $2.50 ea.

Yeh!

The Holidays Are Approaching

2009-11-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Usually living here in Idaho this time of year it's very cold. But this past week has been rather mild. Up to 68 degrees or more. Tonite when I got home from work it was very warm and mild outside. Paul and I were reminiscing about these types of evenings back in SLO town. It totally reminds us of those fall evenings when it gets dark early and the air is still warm and you can smell the salt air. Those nights are cool. Here the air is different. Sometimes you get a whiff of the stagnant water from the river or a dairy from up the road. LOL :D But either way we're in the mood for the holidays. We're planning our TG dinner and wondering if we need to make a road trip somewhere after Christmas.
Everyone will be home this weekend so we have planned to have a family picture taken. You know how those go! I told Emily to be prepared for some murmuring. Should be interesting. Stay tuned. . .

Look for This Movie Soon

2009-11-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

I bet that this will be one of the best movies that you can take your families to for the holiday season. Take a look and decide for yourselves. I can't wait.
http://www.theblindsidemovie.com/

Brooke Graduated!

2009-11-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

Paul and I went to Boise this weekend to see Brooke speak at her graduation ceremony. She graduated from Apollo College in Massage Therapy. There were 185 students from all age groups that graduated in all different fields. She did a great job! We love our Brooke. We finally met her dad for the first time in 4 years. I'm sure he thought we were a bunch! We also enjoyed watching Lindsey, Brooke's twin graduate in dental hygiene. Congrads girls! We love you. :)

We Saw our Little Freshman!

2009-10-26T13:39:00.001-06:00

Paul and I went to Logan on Saturday and spent the day with Kenzi. She is doing very well and liking school. She now is interested in transfering to Utah Valley Univ. in Provo to enroll in the culinary arts program there. So I'm on a mission once again to get things lined out. We love and miss her!

A Change of Events!

2009-10-19T13:22:00.000-06:00

Poor Ezra got into a wreck and totalled his car. He's very Lucky to be alive. Ran into the back of a semi that was stopped because of another wreck in front of him. So sad... and that very same week, he was laid off from his job. :( People say events come in threes. . . he moved home! AAHH!

Paul and Colton drove to Oregon this past Saturday, moved Ez out of his apartment and the kid left Oregon. They drove in late last night. So. . . Ez will be looking for another job and he will need to try to find a little car. His spirits are pretty high and hopefully he won't have to live at home for long. I think it's tougher on him than Paul and I just for the fact he's been on his own for so long. He'll survive.

So. . . no more running around in the buff :D and I'll have to plan alittle bit better for dinner.

AND some things never change... Kenzi was home this weekend too. She kept me company while the boys were away and we enjoyed ourselves lounging around the house, watching movies and of course polishing her nails. My favorite thing to do. :) She is enjoying college and having alot of fun. She's spunky and cute and I love her!

Fall In Idaho

2009-10-16T11:54:00.000-06:00

This is why I love living here. These geese are so cool. They were just haning out on this beautiful day. You can see the leaves are really turning and the river looks amazing. Our family is blessed to be here.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-08T09:26:00.001-06:00

Open this link and you will laugh your head off. Thanks to Brookie for this one. :D

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/jWWXgoKDdly2y7F4

My Deals for this Week

2009-10-06T08:44:00.000-06:00

So I thought I would share with you my savings for this week.
I spent a total cost between Albertsons and Walgreens before savings: $445.81
Saved: 219.47
Making that a grand total of $226.34! That's 50% savings. Isn't that great?!
I can't begin to tell you what I bought. OK one example: Snuggle fabric softener. Sale $3.99, coupon for $3 off. Total .99 cents each! WOW! I bought 4 because I had 4 coupons from the Sunday paper. Nestle refrigerator cookie dough, Sale $2.00. Coupon for $1 off match that with Albertsons match coupon, .37 cents each. For three I paid $1.11. I should have only paid tax but I only had two dollar off's and one .55 cent off. So if I had the other dollar off I would have only paid tax. Good luck girls. Call me with any questions. You should all be doing this it saves a ton of money with alittle effort. Happy Shopping! :D

Check This Out!

2009-10-04T14:01:00.001-06:00

This is what we woke up to this morning at 7:00am and it's still going at 2:00pm. Those little white flecks... SNOW ! Yikes.

Check This Out !

2009-10-03T20:35:00.000-06:00

I found this on a blog today and I love this song. Have a great rest of the weekend!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1049252144356

"Baby It's Cold Outside"

2009-10-02T20:43:00.000-06:00

Well it's official. The heater is on and I don't think it's going off until next spring. We dipped down to 26 degrees this morning and it was something. I'm on the prowl to buy a cord of wood and have it stacked and ready to go. Crazy.

Also I just have to tell you all who read my blog that I did only three (3) loads of laundry today in about 2 hours, folded and put away. That is my highlight for the whole weekend.! I love the laundry with just the two of us. I even ironed some of Paul's shirts before he had to wear them. Ha! :D

It's Official, Fall is Here

2009-09-30T20:43:00.000-06:00

The wind has blown all day and it is cold. Down to 29 degrees tonight. Can you believe that? There is snow in the mountains. Kenzi text me and it's snowing in Logan. I don't think I'm ready for all of this. I can definitely tell I'm getting a little older because all this chilly weather is not fun anymore. I'm feeling it in my bones...
I got to see Colton and Brooke on Monday and we had lunch together. They are doing well. Kenzi got a 100 on her psych. test and Ez has survived the last two weeks without Omar. All his surgeries went well and he had everything he needed when the docs needed it. Yeh! :D

Fall Is Here

2009-09-24T21:53:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I should be sad or glad that the changing season is upon us. I love this picture because it captures all the colors I have in my home. They are warm and inviting. I love this time of year here in Idaho. The geese are coming back here from Canada for the winter and literally they come in flocks. You can hear them like a train coming thru the house honking loud to let you know they're here. It's so cool to look out at the river and see them all coming in for landing. I'll have to try and capture a picture of that.
My kids are all gone in different places. Kenzi at Utah State. Colt at BSU and Ez in Oregon. It's kind of a trip thinking that your kids are making they're own way in life and creating experiences they will look back on and remember when they're old like me. I miss them. I miss they're laughs and hugs. They will all be here for Thanksgiving and that will be fun. I love you guys! :)

The Reveal

2009-09-22T23:11:00.001-06:00

It's been about two weeks and the laundry room is done. I had such a blast cleaning and painting the room, organizing my scrapbooking stuff. I wish I had more laundry to do just so I can be in there! It really is my little sanctuary and I love it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Scroll down so you can see the before pictures. It's somethin'!

The buelletin board is so pretty with sunflower

fabric I found at an outlet fabric store

The baskets are my favorite to hide all that "stuff"

I have a little space to accessorize :)

Great ceramic pumkin I found at TJ Maxx

My little spot !

Campbells Soup!

2009-09-15T20:29:00.000-06:00

Just went to Alberston's because I remembered that I saw on a blog today that it was the last day of Cream of Mushroom soup on sale for .99. Well. . . I had 3 coupons for $1 off 2 cans, used double Albertson's coupons for a savings of $6. My sub-total was -.06, tax .18,
TOTAL .12 cents
Thats right, your read it correctly. Twelve cents for 6 cans of CM soup! Woohoo! This is hilarious.
Update: Laundry room half painted and I love the color. :D

I'm the Coupon Chick!

2009-09-14T16:05:00.000-06:00

Some of you may know that I've been shopping with coupons since June. I have saved hundreds of dollars. I love it. Here is my fab savings for this week. Used my register rewards and with store savings:$40. Only spent a total of $20. Yeh!

Albertsons:
Bought all this soup for $11.83 Received $5 catalina (register rewards) 30 Cans

Thats a whole case plus 9 cans
Savings with in store savings and coupons: $14.50 . Thats 39 @ can

Second Albertsons Order:
Saved $47. with store savings and coupons: Spent $49
I have 6 boxes of Crystal Light, 8 cans of chili,10 can of tomatoes, light bulbs, deoderant, oats
and soap.

So. . . I feel pretty good about today's bargins. Oh and by the way, Paul's gone this week again,:(
I have the paint color picked for the laundry room so I'm hoping to get that done. Look for pictures. The leaves are falling alittle today off the trees. Wind's blowing. . .

Up-Date!

2009-09-09T20:35:00.001-06:00

I'm going to be doing a laundry room makeover. I'm so excited to get my scrap booking stuff organized. I have loved my laundry room. It has been cheery and bright and has been extremely functional. But it is 8 years old in decorating years and I'm ready for a more "grown up" look. Can that really happen to a laundry room? Here is some before shots and hopefully in the next two weeks I will have some after. Stay tuned.

My stuff isn't always on the counter like this. I have just collected from all areas of the house and brought it to this room so I can start working on it

OK so, it was down to 50 the other night and cold. Well it felt like fall. . . Today 90! But I went ahead and took advantage of being all alone. Cleaned out two closets, yeh! Weeded the back yard, watered, swept cobwebs off the house and started to put some fall decorations around the house. I'm not getting too crazy but I am having the girls over Friday night and it has to feel alittle festive. I like what I accomplished today hope you do too.
Stay tuned for some more exciting things happening around my little part of the woods.

Be sure to click on each picture so you can get the full effect.

News Flash! Just talked to my sweet husband, he is terrific. . . and he's coming home for the weekend :). . . but. . . he is going back to SL on Monday. :D
You know what that means? More time by myself to get more things done around the house. YEH!