Costume

I'm still debating whether or not to dress up for Halloween, since I haven't done it for three or four years now. But if I do, should I be Roz or Celia from Monsters Inc? I'm not exactly sure how I'd get the costume, but it would be fun!

This was the hardest book for me to get through, but I'm really glad that I read it. I really had no idea that such terrible stuff goes on in the world. It was difficult to read it, especially being a mom, and imagining the stuff the people in Sierra Leone went through during the war. I know stuff like this is still happening, and it makes me so sad. I find myself thinking about this book almost every hour of the day. I am more aware of how blessed I am to live in this country, and to have the freedoms I do.

I would definitely recommend this book, but just know that it is difficult to read. It was a great educating book about what goes on in the world.

Fun Saturday Activity

Since my little man is sick, I think we'll stay home tomorrow and make some "spooky skeletons" as he would say. I thought this pattern from sewing stars was really cute.

I am aware that it's not even October yet, but I can't help myself. I'm already in the Halloween spirit!

I finished the 4th and final Twilight book, Breaking Dawn, and I'm not a fan. For some reason I just couldn't get in to it. I was disappointed with the ending considering the fact that I don't like Edward. He gives me the creeps for some reason. What did you all think about it? And are you on Team Jacob or Team Edward. I have a feeling I may be the only Jacob lover.

spin-off

Here's to one more reality show I will have to watch!

Whitney's spin-off show

Has anyone read this book?

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

By Ishmael Baeh

I have been wanting to buy this book for awhile, but my mom was one step ahead of me. Thanks mom! It's my new favorite kid book for sure. The first time I read it to Jackson I almost cried, just thinking about him being big enough to leave me and go to school. It's one of those "everyone has to own at least one copy" kind of books.

THE KISSING HAND

By Audrey Penn & Ruth E. Harper

File Folder Games

Help! I am having a humanitarian group for church at my house in a couple weeks, and I had planned on making file folder games. I made this one for Jackson the other day just to see how much it would cost me. I went to have it laminated, and it cost me $6.00. Crazy huh? I thought it was a big rip off. I even called a few stores ahead of time to get the best price.

So do any of you know a cheap way to laminate these other than using contact paper? We HAVE to laminate them, because they have to be durable since they will be sent to orphanages and around the world. I would love any suggestions.

A couple websites I found some good file folder games in case anyone wants to make them are:

Mormon Chic

&

SugarDoodle

Handprints

I made this today to hang in our "work in progress" office. Try getting an 18 month old's hand print, it is NOT easy. It worked much better with Jackson, and I still have to finish his. I can't decide if I should leave it plain and simple like this, or add some ribbon/buttons/or other embellishments. I'm kinda diggin the plain look.

I just used the back of a square stretched canvas, and painted the sides. Then I covered the edges with distressed paper, painted inside the square, and put his handprint on a paper which I then glued inside. Added some rub-ons, and that was it. Easy schmeasy.

I made this other one of Jackson with my sis awhile ago. I like the colors a little more in this one. Plus I like the flowers. Not sure if I can get away with putting flowers on anything that's for a boy.

UGLY DOLL COSTUME

If I didn't already have costumes picked out for my boys (I know I'm crazy, but I get all excited about dressing my boys up) I would totally make this Ugly Doll costume. Kel has one that he is attached to, that he sleeps with so it would be perfect. Isn't it the cutest? And you don't really even have to sew. So if you're in need of a costume, this seems to be a great one!

I always start looking for Christmas presents months before the Holidays. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this awesome puzzle that I want to buy for the boys. It's definately the coolest puzzle I've ever seen, and it's even better that it's a snake. My boys would LOVE it. It's a little pricey, so I'm still hesitant to buy it. But I LOVE it. The usnavyretiredvet's shop on ETSY has tons of really cool puzzles.

A COUPLE MONSTER BOOKS

It seems like lots of babies are being born, or are going to be born soon. I LOVED getting books when I had my boys. I think they are a perfect gift, because you can NEVER have enough of them. I see a Monster by Laurie Young is a great book for little ones. Both of my kids love it at age 3 and 1.

The other book we recently discovered is Brave Little Monster by Ken Baker. It's about a monster who is terrified of little girls and boys, but his mom keeps telling him that there is no such thing. So he has to scare them off himself. It's a cute book, and not too scary.

If you like Pop Tarts

We don't usually eat Pop Tarts at our house, even though Jackson is OBSESSED with them. But when I heard about this deal at Target, I had to buy some. So if you are a Pop Tart lover (or feel like spoiling your kids) then check it out. Looks like we'll be having some happy little guys at our house the next few weeks!

Prison Break.....and The Hills

Does anyone else watch this show, or am I the only one? Every time I watch it, I always think I am going to have a heart attack cause I get so nervous and feel like my blood pressure is through the roof. Last night was no different. I LOVE THIS SHOW! I don't know how I feel about all the tv shows coming back on. I love them, but at the same time I have enjoyed doing other stuff after the boys are in bed rather than watching tv. But hey, I'm not complaining.

And about The Hills (because I know there are lots of Hills fans that just can't admit it), I felt so sad for LC and how she had to break up with Doug. She just needs to find someone good for her, that she actually likes (and trusts)! I think last night was as much as they have EVER shown Whitney. I envy her job. Maybe in my next life!

Don't miss

Prison Break tonight. 2 hour series premiere. You know what I'll be doing the minute I get the kids in bed tonight!

People really are good!

I am truly amazed by people and their willingness to help a complete stranger. The world really is good. Whether you auction something off, bid on an item(s), or just donate out of the goodness of your heart.......I know NieNie and her family will be grateful for your efforts. I had never heard of NieNie before the accident, and I'm blown away with how many people are rallying on her behalf. Check out all the fun auctions, there are SO many amazing things people are auctioning off on their behalf.

I have to add to check this out, the most interesting auction yet.

Project WHAT?

While I was watching Project Runway this week, I had to ask myself "What in the world am I wasting my time watching?" I for sure wasn't loving the drag queen episode.

I'm hoping Keith or Kenley make it far, cause they are both AMAZING!

Kid Books

I think think this blog is coming to an end. I wanted to have it to show fun craft ideas, but I have been lacking in that department lately. So it has mostly been a boring book/tv show blog. And that is lame. But for today I thought I'd share a couple more of my favorite kid books. Does anyone know of a blog or website with GOOD kid books? I've found a few, but then the books turn out to be LAME.

I'm loving Five Little Monkeys Play Hide and Seek

by Eileen Christelow

It's a little longer that her other toddler monkey books.

Pat the Bunny

by Dorothy Kunhardt

Both of my boys can't seem to get enough of this book. It's a touch and feel book.

The Hills Season Premiere

I'm happy to announce that I finally have gotten my fix of The Hills. Well, let me take that back. I was REALLY disappointed that it wasn't an hour long, because really when they are 30 minute episodes they turn out to be like 13 minutes after all the recaps and commericals.

So I used to be a Lo hater, but after tonight's episode I am totally on her side. Forget Audrina. Spencer and Heidi had their scripts rehearsed as usual. And I'm sure the "thing" going on between Lauren and Doug won't last. Does it ever?

I'm already looking forward to next Monday. Sad, but true.

Loopy

I found a new favorite kids book. It's really short though, and I kind of wish it was a bit longer. It's called Loopy and is written by Aurore Jesset. It reminds me of Jackson's Ooh-Aah, because the book is about a little kids' stuffed animal being left at the doctor's office. Really cute book, especially if your kid has a stuffed animal they can't live without!

If only......

I had 18 million dollars, I would buy LC's parents house in Laguna Beach. Every time they have showed the house on The Hills or Laguna Beach I imagine how it would be to live in such luxury. Mostly though I just love the view and the pool. I think I could deal with living in Cali if I could live here. Back to reality........

Oh, and for all of you who have never seen The Hills, you really are missing out on all the drama. I hate having drama in my own life, but I do like to watch other people whose lives are filled with it. And this season looks like it won't disappoint! Starts Monday on MTV.

Scanlan Gallery

My mom told me about this gallery on Main Street in Park City, but when we went there it was even more amazing that I could have imagined. They have the most beautiful images I have seen in my life. They have one of the Lofoten Wall in Norway that I am obsessed with. I would LOVE to have one in my house someday. If you're ever in the area, you have to stop and check it out.

545-B Main Street

Park City, Utah

http://www.scanlan.com/

FHE IDEAS

I always have a hard time finding FHE lessons that a 3 and 1 year old will be interested in, which I know is completely normal. What 1 or 3 year old has more than a 2 minute attention span, if that? Well, I found this FHE Blog designed specifically for little ones. I LOVE IT! Even if my kids are whiny and crying throughout it all. I know it helps, and I just kept telling myself that I'm getting lots of blessings! Ha!

Tonight we did this lesson on prayer. Jackson needed a refresher course on folding his arms and closing his eyes. I thought it was cute, easy, and it gets the job done.

JUST LIKE PAPA

I want to go to the store RIGHT NOW and buy this Polaris Ranger for my boys. They want to ride on my dad's Ranger CONSTANTLY, so I think they would be IN LOVE with this.

Really though, they don't need it. So I guess just in my dreams they will have it.

Something Intersting.....

I loved this post over at Tangled and True asking people how much they pay a babysitter. It obviously varies according to where you live. The first time we left the kids with a babysitter I really had no idea how much to pay. Actually, I still don't really know how much to pay. I usually just get one of the girls from church to come over for a couple of hours when I do get a babysitter, and they are 11 or 12 years old. Our 1 year old has always been in bed, so really it's just our 3 year old. And speaking of him ...... last time he stayed up in his bed for 2 hours when the babysitter was here. He HATES having a babysitter. I felt so bad. He wasn't even asleep, he was just chillin' there. SAD.

Flashback

I was so excited to find these jelly shoes by Mia. I swear that I had the exact pair when I was like 6 years old. I really wanted the white pair, but I had to settle for the pink since they didn't have my size. I think the 80's are here to stay....for a bit. Love them!

ANOTHER GREAD READ

I have been so excited about this book ever since I finished it. I am IN LOVE with it! I think that I read it in record time because I didn't want to put it down.

I'm already counting down the days.....

until my favorite show comes back on. August 18th.

A MUST SEE

This is a show that I really don't want to miss. I already wanted to go see New Kids on the Block before I even knew that Natasha Bedingfield will be touring with them. She is my absolute FAVORITE right now. It's just too bad that I would have to travel to Portland or Salt Lake to see them. I may just have to give in and make the drive.......if I can find anyone crazy enough to want to go see NKOTB.

Got Shade?

Some people with the Phil and Teds stroller complain about lack of shade in the back seat. I actually dont' find this much of a problem. Alot of the time, my babe is shaded from the first seat anyway. Here's a shade that you can put on if you find you need it, and it's not all that hideous looking either (if you must have shade).

For anyone looking for a double stoller......this is the one to get in my opinion. There's too many reasons why I love it to list them all. But one of the main reasons is because sometimes my 3 year old wants to ride his bike or walk along with me, and then there's the times where he wants to ride in the stroller. I love how you can make it a single or double stroller within 3 seconds.

This is definately my favorite thing for the boys!

Project Runway

I stayed up way too late last night watching Project Runway. I love this show, and I'm happy that there is finally something on besides So You Think You Can Dance. I loved so many of their creations, but I was happy when Kelli won. I loved her vacuum bag dress, especially the hook and eye closures in the back made with the spirals from a notebook. Amazing!

I also loved Joe's creation with the pasta. It was actually kinda cute. And Korto's vegetable tablecloth dress was awesome. Strange, but very interesting.

So that's it, my quick recap of the best show on tv right now.

Fast Read

I was talking to my cousin about how I hate to recommend books because I never know what people will take offense to, and most books (other than church related books) have a scene or two in them that could really be taken out (if you know what I mean). I never remember what books have bad parts in them since I just skip them, so hopefully this one doesn't have any. It was a super fast read, a bit too long, but I loved it. I just wanted to find out what happened, so I couldn't put it down. It reminded me to be especially grateful for my kids and never for one second take them for granted. Also.....to never take my eyes off of them! =)

So if you need a quick book that is entertaining, this is a good one.

The hostile Bachelorette

I know all of you Bachelorette fans out there are just waiting for me to write my opinion of last nights show. Ok, maybe not. But you're going to hear about it anyway. And I know there are lots of you "closet" Bachelorette watchers.

I thought the "Men Tell All" special was lame. Except the part with Graham of course. I thought she was a little mean to him, a bit hostile. I think it's just because she still wants him. Haha.

I was completely SHOCKED when Jeremy wasn't chosen. I had to lift my jaw up off the floor. Not kidding. But I do like Jesse. I just felt sorry for Jeremy, AKA Mr. Perfect. I think she should end up with Jason, he's such a cutie. But if we're going off past Bachelor's then she'll end up with Jesse, because it seems like they always pick who I don't want them to. Who do you think she'll end up with? AND......if it doesn't end up working with whomever she picks, will her and Graham pick up where they left off? Haha. I wish!

PHONE NUMBERS

I thought this was the cutest idea to help your kid learn their phone number. I am proud to say that our little man now knows his phone number, and it is so cute to hear him say it.......like he's so proud!

FUN CLOTHING SHOP

I was so excited to hear that Forever 21 is making it's way to Boise. Woo-Hoo! Love that store.

Magnet Board

I finished the magnet board that I made for Jackson's room. Originally I was looking for some cute baseball paper to cover it with, but couldn't find any that I loved. Instead I picked out a few coordinating colored papers and covered the magnet board with them. I think it turned out cute, minus a couple mistakes that I made.

Want to make one? It's super easy and not too time consuming. I bought the magnet board at Roberts for $9.99, and it is a pretty big one. Sand it if needed. I painted the board first, then cut out squares of paper. I lined up the papers to make sure they fit how I wanted them to. Then I Mod Podged them on, covering the top layer with Matte Mod Podge. And Wallah-finished! I want to make a cute one for my office that is a bit more girlie, I'm excited.

**TIP- After you mod podge the papers on, make sure you get a credit card and push the paper down really well to get all the bubbles out. I made the mistake of not doing that, and now a few of mine have little bubbles.

SO SAD

I'm aware that this post is a few days late, but I couldn't not say how sad I am that Graham didn't get a rose on the Bachelorette this week. He was actually pretty lame on their date, but still........he was my favorite. I think he just had issues with the fact that she was dating other guys, and he couldn't handle it. LAME! Ok, really they are all my favorites. He was just the best looking one. I'm really baffled as to who she will choose, they really all seem great.

Lovin' These

I think these pendants sold by HomeStudio on etsy are too cute. I love how simple they are, but they're different too. Can you believe they are scrabble pieces?

Here's my favorite.

OH NO!

Please, Please, Please tell me this is not true. They are my favorite celebrity couple, and I really thought they would make it. Hopefully this is just another bad rumor.

CityDeals

This doesn't really apply to me all that much, but there is this great website that offers discounts on gift cards. So for all you Utah people out there, you have to check this out cause it could save you some pretty pennies. One that I would use if I could use it in Idaho is for Boondocks. You pay $17.50 for a $25 gift card. We love that place, and it's not cheap so that makes it 30% off. Great deal! Has anyone ever purchased gift cards here?

Slacker

Now I'm really not sure why I started a different blog, cause it has been forever since I have posted something. So for all you people with boys, this book is hilarious. I guess it's fine for girls too, but it really fit my boys perfectly. It's called I WISH MY BROTHER WAS A DOG, by Carol Shields. We got it at the library a few weeks ago, and it is now the favorite book in the house. Definately check it out!

Tasty Treat

Anyone living in or around Boise, I have been waiting FOREVER for a yummy yogurt shop to open.......and it has! I am a bit obsessed even though it's not quite as good as the little shop I went to in Southern California. Tonight I tried it with hot fudge on top and now I am seriously addicted. The place is called Yogees and is located by Kohl's off of Ustick & Eagle. You HAVE to at least try it to see if you're addicted.

Summer Library Programs

As I have said before, we are big in to books at our house. We usually stop by the library once or twice a week for storytime or to let Jackson play on the computer. We have computer games at home, but he still likes to play them at the library for some reason. I'm not sure if EVERY library has summer programs like ours, but you should check to see if they do. Our summer theme is "Catch the Reading Bug." For every 2 hours your child reads (or you read to your child) they get a prize. The prizes consist of things like temporary tattoos, stickers, free kids meals, free ice cream, and tickets to local sporting events. Last year Jackson got so excited when he got to pick something from the treasure box, so he's excited and ready to start reading! The summer is the hardest time to read to your kids I think, cause it's so warm out I always just want them to go outside to play. This is a good reminder and incentive to keep reading in the summer, especially for school age kids.

Favorite Things Swap

I love Google Reader for many reasons. One of them being the top recommendations, I have found some GREAT blogs this way. I don't check them out as often as I would like to (if only there were more hours in a day) but I came across this Favorite Things Swap that sounds like so much fun. It would be fun to gather a few of your favorite things and send them to someone you may never have met. It also sounds like fun to get a package filled with someone elses favorite things! Hopefully you'll all participate.

{i heart readbox}

I have a hard time spending money on certain things-like movies. Especially when I can rent them from Redbox for free when I don't get them from the library for free. I love FREE TO BE FRUGAL for many reasons, but the Redbox codes is one of them. Who doesn't love a free movie? And I love that you can rent them from one location and return them at a different one, very convenient!

Our New Favorite Book

We LOVE books at our house & it seems like we're always looking for new ones to add to our collection. We usually check them out from the library first so we don't waste money buying a book that the kids' aren't even interested in. We have a new favorite at our house called Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney. We also love the original Llama Llama Red Pajama. They are both really cute books, but one of my favorite things about them is that they are a short read. Some nights I am just SO ready to put the boys to bed, but I still want to read to them so these are PERFECT!

Kids Workshops

Did you know that Lowe's and Home Depot have FREE kids workshops? If you know me, then you know that the word FREE interests me greatly! I had my hubby take my little guy & he had SO much fun. What little kid doesn't like to play with tools and feel like they are SO BIG? They give the child an apron, safety goggles, and a little badge that you can sew on their apron. And the best part.......is that it's free! Love that!

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics are every other saturday and you can register online prior to the class.

Home Depot Kids Workshop is the first Saturday of each month and it's first come first serve.

Seriously, check it out.

What am I Doing?

I'm not really sure what exactly I'm doing. I thought it might be fun to have a separate blog that is just dedicated to things that I love. It may not last, but we'll see how it goes. It will just be about whatever I think is interesting that day, so stay tuned..........