Sunday, February 28, 2010

Circulon

When Tyler and I first were married we registered for the least expensive set of pots and pans, knowing that they would do the trick and that they would be replaced soon anyways. It's been almost five years and while they have not only held up but are still functioning we are moving on...and moving up! We ordered our circulon 10 piece set off of amazon at a steal of a price and they are worth every penny! It is The Only Dishwasher Safe, Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware (oven safe too). Ooooooh, they cook so evenly, so perfectly, I am in love!

Cake Pops


So my kids are a little bit picky...Well, at least Ashton was when he was one. Normal for most, right? Well, I've dug myself into a very deep hole that will only get deeper in time. It started with a cookie monster sandwich. No big deal, little outline using a gel writer on his sandwich. We progressed to Elmo pancakes (quite an art) monkey cupcakes, and continued with new pictures on sandwiches using edible ink pens...Then of course I had to try my hand at all of bakerellas goodies and amongst them where elmo and cookie monster cake pops. So here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. I wish I would have taken pictures of the good ones, each time I make them I haven't taken out the camera fast enough and of course they want the best ones first!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

RO-DE-O


Ashton has been pretty jealous of the daddy and mommy dates lately, so after our date last weekend we promised that we would take him on a family date. Yesterday here in San Antonio was free grounds admission for military at the Rodeo and Tyler had the night off so we went and met up with some friends! It was perfect! It was overcast and chilly so there were not tons of people there. We were only there for a few hours (Tyler sleeps during the day plus we went before dinner), but we had fun with the few hours we had. There were a bunch of the big inflatables which Ashton LOVES (jumping is his passion). He went out of his comfort zone and stood in line for the Nemo inflatable and played all by himself (well, without mom, dad, or Kate). I was so proud of him!!!

They had a huge carousel which the kids were head over heels for. It was indescribable joy for me too to feel Isaac's little tummy roar in laughter while riding his moving horse. Poor Isaac was sooooooo jealous from then on out as he was too little for the many rides Ashton enjoyed later with Kate...Overall, great time!!! (I would have taken more pictures but my battery died!)

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day!

Ashton and I made some awesome robot valentines to take to a Nursing Home with the young women in our ward...He had a blast delivering them but I knew I needed to make some for my boys when I saw the look of desperation on Isaac's face and we passed them to all the males in the home...except for him and his bro. We also made these "monster mailboxes" (both ideas from the Family Fun Magazine). This will definitely be a tradition. Ashton loves making crafts and had a great time making the eyes and gluing on the parts and I thought they were ADORABLE and a perfect place to stuff their valentines cards, candies, and presents...So will be doing this EVERY YEAR. Here are the kids discovering their loot. The Loot



And I couldn't resist the chance to stuff my boys with heart shaped pancakes. The only thing missing was my incredible husband... We did however have a romantic date the night before...

And we have to include the boys with the Valentine stuffed animals that they received in the mail along with many other goodies from Papa and Nana Rust! Thanks, the boys LOVE them!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Pay it Forward

So....this is at least a year overdue. I signed up on sister's blog many moons ago to "pay it forward". It was kind of a thing last year and I got involved, received my gift and then dropped my end of the bargain, until now. So this is how it works:

Leave a comment for me on this post and I will create a delightful gift, made and designed especially for you within the next three months. I know, three months sounds like a long time to wait, but I promise it it will be worth it, and I'll hint that it might possibly involve my sewing machine (I just bought a book of patterns by Amy Butler!!!!!)...Here is the catch, upon receiving your gift, you in turn have to "pay it forward" in any fashion you choose. So let the fun begin!!!

And just for fun, this is what my sister created for me!!!! I little saying that I am quite fond of as noted in THIS post...

Bitter Sweet

I just found out that my Grandfather, Grandpa Black passed away this morning. It is a bitter sweet moment. Bitter because he was and will always be my Grandpa and I haven't seen or talked to him in years. Bitter because my Dad has to deal with losing both his parents in the same year. Bitter because he was a good Grandpa and always had fun with us when we were young. Sweet because he has suffered from Alzheimer's for many many years and now has his memory to companion him once again, Sweet because he is reunited with all his loved ones who passed on before him, Sweet because he can now enjoy the journey through the next phase of life. Sweet because I am confident that there is a Plan of Salvation created by a loving Heavenly Father who knows and loves us and is awaiting our progression so that we might return to Him and especially sweet because I know that I will see him with my own eyes in the flesh again.
I love you Grandpa!!!