The Pepperling's Family Tree

I would like to thank....

2009-10-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

...Anitra over at The Mama Zone for blessing us with our very first award! Really you are too kind! We are so honored and want to thank all of our followers and blog readers for all of your support and comment love!

The Best Blog Award rules are:

1) To accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link. Just copy and paste or right click to save the award to post.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have recently discovered and think are great! Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here are my 15 in no particular order!

1) Brooke @ Oofa Luffa Le
2) Summer @ Summers Cakes
3) Becky @ The Branches
4) Jill @ Barnes Yard
5) Tanya @ Trey & Lucy
6) MckMama @ My Charming Kids
7) Kelly @ Kelly's Corner
8) Julia @ Dozen Flours
9) Laura @ Real Mom Kitchen
10) Tanya @ Sunday Baker
11) Mayra @ Life is Bananas
12) Liz @ Its Unbeweavable
13) Jen @ Cake Wrecks
14) Jessica @ How About Orange
15) Jill @ Homemade By Jill

I happily pass this awesome award to these ladies!

Their blogs are Amazing! Go check 'em out!

XOXO

She's Bossy!

2009-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Bella: " Mommy! Its late! I am going to turn off the tv, and then you are going to bed! Right now Mommy! I have school tomorrow!

Mommy: "Bella tomorrow is Saturday. You don't have school tomorrow!"

Bella: "Well it is still past your bedtime mama cause I'm tired!"

Small Talk Six 10/3/2009

2009-10-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Want to join in on “Small Talk Six!” Go here to see the weekly themes and post your own Saturday Small Talk Six post!

WARNING: Contains Adult language not suitable for children!

6 things you say, but wouldn't want your children to repeat

1. Ah S**T!

2. WTF!!!

3. Are you a ritard?

4. What the Deuce?

5. That's Ricockulous!

6. That's what she said!

Bulldogs...So Argumentative!

2009-09-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mom! Rocco is arguing me!"

Happy 1st Birthday Lilly Anna!

2009-09-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

September 15th was Miss Lilly Anna Banana's very 1st birthday! We celebrated w/presents and a special cake that I made for her! She was so darn cute! She wanted absolutely nothing to do with opening her presents! When Bella turned one she was more interested in ripping off the wrapping and then playing with that, but not Lilly! When we tried to show her that she could rip the paper all she wanted and that there was a goodie inside, she gave us this look like, "That's nice parents, glad you are so excited about that, but I think I'd rather play over here." She just would give us this look and then walk over to her favorite old toys and play! Haha! Once Bella took all the wrapping off for her and she saw all of the fun stuff she got, she was much more interested!

Bella would push the buttons on her toys for her to show her what they did, and then Lilly would clap and say Yay! Uh, I love my girls!!!!!!!

The cake was by far her favorite part of her birthday! I set her up with a big piece of cake. She just took little bites and then would nod in approval! So funny! She was sooo happy! I did my best to get some pics of the birthday girl but every time I pulled the camera out to take a pic she would turn her head away! She thought it was hilarious!!!

I cannot believe that my little baby girl is already 1! She is walkin' and talkin' up a storm! She even runs a little! At her one year appointment the doc said that she was pretty advanced for her age. So I guess we are doing something right! LOL! She gets funnier everyday! Words cannot even describe how much we love this little monkey!!!! Her big sis is her best friend! They are our little comedians and keep us laughing all day long!

Lilly has changed so much over the past year! We have had so much fun already! I love watching my little girls grow! They are just amazing!

Happy Birthday Lilly Bean! We love you so so much!

Somebody Get That Girl Some Ice Cream!

2009-09-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mom, I’m sorry but I really need ice cream! I can’t breathe...I think I’m tired!

That’s what! "

Saturday Small Talk Six! 9/19/09

2009-09-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Want to join in on “Small Talk Six!” Go here to see the weekly themes and post your own Saturday Small Talk Six post!

6 things you love or hate about autumn

I LOVE:

1. All of the warm colors!

2. Dressing up for Halloween!

3.The crisp cool air!

4. Pumpkin Pie!

5. Getting to decorate my house with Fall decor!

6. Thanksgiving!

A Trip to the Zoo!

2009-09-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

For labor day we decided to take our little gals to the zoo! This was Lilly's 1st trip! She was not nearly as excited as Miss Bella but still thought it was neat!

It was extremely hot when we first got there, but then some clouds rolled in and it was actually nice out!

Here are the pics from our little adventure!

I Want Ice Cream!

2009-09-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mommy I can't breath because I need ice cream!"

Apparently in need of a tan!

2009-09-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Overheard in the car...Daddy and Bella playing I Spy aka "The Color Game!"

Daddy: "I spy with my little eye something white!"

Bella: "Is it our bodies?????"

Daddy: "Hahahahahaha! No Bella!"

Healthy Home & Wellness Open House!!!

2009-09-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately folks! We have been soooooooo very busy! We just moved and I am excited to announce that I am in the process of planning my Healthy Home & Wellness Open House for the end of September! It is going to be so much fun! I can't wait!!!

If any of you live in the the El Paso/Ft. Bliss/Biggs AFB area, YOU ARE INVITED!!!!

It is basically a workshop that will teach you about dangers in common household products and how you can help protect your families! It will be very informative and fun!

We all do our best to protect those in our home from the everyday dangers we are aware of… if you would like to learn about some dangers in the home you may not be aware of then email me at goingreen4mykids@gmail.com with your contact info so that I can give you the dates, times, and directions!

Did you know...

… There are more than 3 million poisonings every year, and household cleaners are the #1 cause of poisonings in children?

… Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%... and that common household cleaners and cosmetics have been identified as triggers of asthma attacks? Many doctors attribute the rise in children’s asthma to the cleaning products we use every day.

… Manufacturers ARE NOT required to list exact ingredients on a label, giving us a false sense of security that these products are safe?

… The National Cancer Institute released results of a 15 year study concluding that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home, due to the toxic fumes from cleaning and laundry products that are used?

… Toxic chemicals found in homes are three times more likely to cause cancer than any outdoor airborne pollutants ~ the worst air pollution is in the home!

… As little as 3 Tbsp. of Dawn dish soap is enough to kill a small child?

Now more than ever, issues like allergies, asthma and skin irritations are so prevalent in our families, and directly linked to chemicals in household products. I’d love to share this information with you to improve the health of you and your loved ones!

Email me today so you can come to my Healthy Home & Wellness Open House!

For those of you lovely blog readers who aren't in my area, but want some of this information, go to my website:

http://www.goingreen4mykids.com

There is some information on there and you can also request more!

Happy Friday!!!

Chocolate Mayonnaise Layer Cake!

2009-08-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Mayonnaise Layer Cake w/Chocolate Frosting

What you will need:

2 c. flour, unsifted

2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa

1 1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. baking powder

3 eggs

1 2/3 c. less 1 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. mayonnaise

1 1/3 c. water

Grease and flour two 9 inch pans. In medium bowl mix flour, cocoa, soda and powder. In large bowl mix on high eggs, sugar and vanilla for 3 minutes or until light and fluffy, scraping occasionally. Reduce to low and beat in mayonnaise until blended.

Add flour mixture alternately with water. Begin and end with flour (add flour in 4 parts). Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until pick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan.

Simple Syrup:

3/4 c. sugar

3/4 c. water

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over med-high heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Bring to a boil and boil for about 2-3 min. Remove from heat and cool for a 1/2hr. Cover and store in the fridge.

Level cake layers and pour simple syrup over the tops of the cake.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
2/3 c. butter, melted

2/3 c. cocoa

1 tsp. vanilla

4 c. powdered sugar

4 tbsp. milk (more as needed)

Whisk together butter and cocoa. Add vanilla. Mix in powdered sugar gradually and alternately with milk.

Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place 1st layer on cake stand or plate. Cover top with a thick layer of frosting. Place 2nd layer on top of 1st layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake!

Enjoy!!!

Banana Dogs!

2009-08-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

I saw this recipe idea when I was watching the Disney Channel with my Bella! Its such a cute idea for lunch or a snack! Bella thinks they are the Bees Knees!!!

What You Will Need:

A Whole Wheat Hot Dog Bun

A Banana

Peanut butter

Jelly

First peel your banana (The right way! LOL!) and place it in a whole wheat hot dog bun.

Next add some peanut butter and jelly for your condiments!

Lastly, watch as your little one devours the entire thing!

Happy Friday!

Flush!

2009-08-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

Bella: " Mom this is how I flush the potty!"

"STEP 1: Put the seat down."
"STEP 2: Flush!"
"STEP 3: Wait for the water to come up!"

Mommy: "Ok, what happens next?"

Bella: "Duh Mom...STEP 4! Wash your hands!"

Small Talk Six 8/15/2009

2009-08-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Want to join in on “Small Talk Six!” Go here to see the weekly themes and post your own Saturday Small Talk Six post!

6 things you do, use to do, or would like to do to relax

Relax??? What is that???

LOL!

I DO:

1. Lay in bed before I go to sleep and read a good book!

2. Snuggle up with my hubby and watch a good new movie!

I USED TO:

3. Take a steamin' hot bubble bath with yummy smelling candles lit!

4. Sit on my porch at night with a big cup of hazelnut coffee!

I WOULD LIKE TO:

5. Have a spa day!

6. Lay on a warm beach, toes in the sand, sippin' on a chilled fruity concoction!

Websites Launch!!!!

2009-08-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

Hooray! We have launched a website specifically for:-Those who want to learn more about household products that are dangerously toxic and hazardous to your health-Those of you looking to convert your homes and go greenor`Those of you that are simply are looking for safer alternatives to some of their current household products!
To visit this site, click the Green United Team banner or go to: http://goingreen4mykids.com/

Also, another exciting launch!!!

We have finally launched a new website so that I can help more of you to work at home...Just like I do!!!

Click the above banner, or go to http://moreforyourfuture.com/
Both of these fantastic new sites will also have a permanent home in our sidebar!
Happy Friday Everyone!

ATTENTION MOMMIES!!!

2009-08-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

If you have any baby or kids products that have Quaternium 15, like almost all Johnson and Johnson products, DONT USE THEM!

Quaternium 15 is a formaldehyde (ya know that stuff they preserve dead bodies with)carcinogen and causes cancer, dermatitis; is a neurotoxin, sensitizer-poisonous; an irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes!

I currently am stocked with Johnson and Johnson for Lilly & Bella and am throwing them all out! They are just too precious to wash n lotion them with something that causes cancer! I think I am going to replace them with Koala Pals Brand! They are all natural and safe for my babies!

If you are interested, here are some more products that a ton of us use and some of the yucky things they contain! No wonder everyone is getting cancer these days! Sick!

After reading this I am pretty sure that I am going to try converting my house to all natural stuff! Thats right ladies...I'm goin green!

I have personally already had a cancer scare, so really it makes sense for me! Also if any of you or your family members suffer from Allergies, Asthma, Eczema, Rosacia, or Autism, it is possible that some of your household products are causing those conditions!

Check your labels for ingredients on all of your products & look em up if they arent listed here!!!

Let me know if you want information on how I am converting my own home for my family!!!

Dove Beauty Bar-
-Quaternium 15: formaldehyde (carcinogen). Causes cancer, dermatitis; is a neurotoxin, sensitizer-poisonous; an irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo-
-Quaternium 15: formaldehyde (carcinogen). Causes cancer, dermatitis; is a neurotoxin, sensitizer-poisonous; an irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
-FD&C Red 40 Dye: listed as acutely toxic

Lysol Disinfectant Spray-
-Dioxin: carcinogen. 5,000 times more deadly than DDT Ethyl Alcohol; eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritant
-Phenol: Dermal exposure to phenol is highly irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans. Has harmful effects on asthma, allergies, and ADD.
Registered as a pesticide.

Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste-
-Saccharin: carcinogen
-Phenol: Dermal exposure to phenol is highly irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans. If you accidentally swallow more than a pea-sized amount of this, you must contact the Poison Control Center immediately.
This warning does not appear on the tube.

Tide & Cheer Detergent-
-Detergent: can cause temporary respiratory tract irritation. Symptoms include stinging, swelling, or redness.
-Sodium Silicate: can be corrosive. Can cause burns to the eyes and tissue damage to the skin, as well as cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach if swallowed.
-Sodium Sulfate: corrosive, severe eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Can cause asthma attacks.
-Thisodium Nitrilotriacetate: carcinogen
Note: Tide powder contains fiberglass. This causes sweating and itching.

Clorox-
-Sodium Hypochlorite: corrosive. Sensitizer: can be fatal if swallowed. Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Especially hazardous to people with heart conditions or asthma.

Cascade-
-Sodium Hypochlorite Sodium Silicate: can be corrosive. Can cause burns to the eyes and tissue damage to the skin, as well as cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach if ingested.

Fantastic & Formula 409-
-Butyl Cellosolve: neurotoxin. Eye and skin irritant. Damages central nervous system, kidney, and liver. Readily absorbed through the skin. Damages blood and the body’s ability to make blood.
Registered as a pesticide.

Windex Aerosol Glass Cleaner-
-Butyl Cellosolve: (see above)
-Isobutane: neurotoxin

Also be sure you check out the "DIRTY DOZEN"!!! The "Dirty Dozen" products contain a wide-range of carcinogenic and other toxic ingredients and contaminants to which most of us are exposed daily!

Hope this was helpful for some you mama friends!

P.S. Here are some links of places this info was gathered from and for y'all to get more info!~Luvs!!!

http://www.epa.gov/
http://www.scorecard.org/
http://www.checnet.org/
www.cleaningpro.com/toxic.cfm
http://www.childenvironment.org/
http://www.concernedmoms.com/
http://www.preventcancer.com/

All these Years!!!

2009-08-07T10:46:00.001-07:00

So apparently, there is a right way and a wrong way to open a banana!

My entire life I was led to believe that the right way to open a banana was by bending the stem until it cracked open! This is the common belief of most people!

I do sometimes get frustrated when the banana doesn't open as easily as it should and gets squished in the process!

Well get ready to have your mind blown....We were all WRONG!!!

The correct way to open a banana is by pinching the end of it and then peeling it open!

Yep, that's right folks!

I tried it and am amazed! I wish I had known this, IDK...24 years ago!

Thanks Mom! Haha!

This is actually the way that monkeys open bananas! Who Knew?

Well they may fling poo, but they know their stuff when it comes to bananas!!!

Happy Friday!!!

It has begun!

2009-08-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

This past week marked Miss Bella's first days in school!

She started Pre-K at an elementary school, and couldn't be more excited!

According to her, she has 18 friends(her best friend being Ashley!)

What a co-inky-dink! Mine too! Haha!

Dont mind the blurry pics! We were too short on time to have a proper photo shoot! LOL!

Day One:

Day Two:

Day Three: Not a Happy Camper! She was ready for a nap!

Day Four:

Day Five:

TGIF!!!

Awwwwww! She loves me!

2009-08-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

Bella: Mommy, I cleaned the living room, do you know why?

Mommy: "Why Bella Boo?"

Bella: "Because you are the bestest Mommy EVER!"

Moobs!

2009-08-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mommy, my boobies are getting bigger like Daddy's!"

Please note: In reality my husband does not have man-boobs! Bahahaha!

Spit on the Floor!

2009-08-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mom I think I gotta tell you something."

Mom: " Okay, go ahead."

Bella: "I think I need to talk to you for a minute."

Mom: "Alright."

Bella: "Mom I really have something I need to say to you!"

Mom: "Good grief girl, spit it out!"

Can you take a guess what My Bella Boo did next?!

Mom: "Gross Bella! Don't do that!"

Bella: "Sorry, but guess what?"

Mom: "What Bella?"

Bella: " When Daddy gets home we are going to make Ming-Ming cupcakes!"

Mom: "Ummm? Okay! Haha!"

Small Talk Six 8/1/09

2009-08-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Want to join in on “Small Talk Six!” Go here to see the weekly themes and post your own Saturday Small Talk Six post!

6 things you can do with your body that someone else might find strange

I can:

1. Tie a cherry stem with my tongue

2.Bend my fingers all the way back (I'm double jointed)

3.Do the splits

4.Whistle by sucking in air instead of blowing it out

5.Walk en pointe(On my tippy toes)

6. Make babies

Is that strange???

Happy Blogiversary to Us!

2009-07-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Today is the One Year Blogiversary of The Pepperling's Family Tree!

To celebrate we had a giveaway this past week, and today we are announcing the Winners along with their Prizes!

Exciting!!!

Our first winner is Jodi! She was the first to guess my Starbucks drink correctly!

Iced Caramel Macchiato...Yum!

I get mine with extra caramel!

Ugh! Now I want one! :)

She will be receiving a $10 Starbucks Gift Card!

Congrats Jodi!

On to the winner of the Blogiversary Giveaway...

Drum roll please...

Cheryl Anne @ Because Mom Said So

You are our lucky Blogiversary WINNER!
Cheryl Anne will be receiving a special pamper kit that I put together for her!

(Prize retail value: $40)

Updated:

The Pampering Goodies will include:

A Sun Valley Sugar Scrub Variety Pack-Tangy Lemon, Sweet Pineapple, and Sun Kissed Berry sorbet scrubs gently slough away dull skin while revitalizing with vitamins and essential oils.

Sun Shades Harvest Berry Lip Balm-Helps to put an end to dryness, cracking, and peeling with jojoba, beeswax, and vitamin E, all with SPF 15 protection.

An Exfoliating Bath Bar-in Almond Vanilla this bar uses nature’s finest ingredients to help gently remove dry, old skin, allowing newer, softer skin to emerge.

A Gold Bath Bar-in Citrus scent, this bar is french milled to last up to three times longer than ordinary soap bars, combines unparalleled cleansing benefits with Melaleuca Oil and natural skin-softening conditioners to leave skin revitalized, refreshed, and naturally soft.

Renew Lotion-The clinically proven solution for softer, smoother, healthier skin.

All of the products from this Prize are from Melaleuca Wellness Company!

Each product features all natural, healthy, and safe ingredients.

I wanted to introduce all of you lovely readers to this wonderful company! I love doing what I can to help the environment, and as most of you know "Going Green" is a trendy thing nowadays.

That is why I just love Melaleuca! They were all about "Going Green" when Green was just a color! They have been in business for over 20 years and have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, not to mention the dozens of other awards they have received for their philanthropy and ever-growing sales!

"If all other consumer product companies followed Melaleuca's lead in selling concentrated products with less packaging waste, each year landfills in North America would have 890 million tons less plastic waste. To put that into perspective, that's enough to fill the entire state of Delaware with a 3-foot layer of plastic each year!" AMAZING!

Their goal is to make your home a safer, cleaner, and greener home for your family! They sell things that we all use everyday at a better value.

For Example:

Their EcoSense Cleaning products use NO Chlorine Bleach, Ammonia, or Formaldehyde

YUCK!

Their Entire line of EcoSense products are Non-Caustic, Super Concentrated, More effective, and have a better value than national brands!

As if that were not enough, Melaleuca also offers an opportunity to work at home! Calling all Moms! How great does that sound?

They have some really great products! If you would like to read more about Melaleuca Click Here! Also, if you would like to purchase from their store or you want to find out more about working from home, email me at lilibellesboutique@yahoo.com for more info.

Congrats to our winners!

Jodi & Cheryl Anne, email me at lilibellesboutique@yahoo.com with your mailing info, so that I can get these prizes to you!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Have a great day!!!

Keep on Praying!

2009-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby Stellan is doing a bit better as some of you may have already been reading over at My Charming Kids. He's not out of the woods yet though. He still needs to get to Boston to have an ablation on his heart that will hopefully save his life. Everything is set. They are just waiting for a hospital bed to open up for him at the hospital there, and then he will be on his way. Please keep him in your prayers.

MckMama also requested prayers for other the sick babies in the hospital with Stellan here. There are alot of sweet babes in need of prayer everywhere. Keep them in your thoughts!

Also, If you are looking for another way to support sweet Stellan, you can go here to purchase orange "Stellan will live" bracelets. All of the proceeds will go to The String of Pearls. They are only $5 which includes shipping. If you still want to support Stellan by sporting one of these bracelets, but you can't afford one, you can get one for FREE! To purchase or request a bracelet, go here!

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."~Psalms 46:1

Photos by MckMama at My Charming Kids.

Stellan!!!

2009-07-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorite blogs that I follow is My Charming Kids! You may have seen the button in my right sidebar or my "Not Me Monday" blog carnival posts. That blog carnival was started by MckMama @ My Charming Kids!

I read her inspirational, insightful, and funny blog posts everyday! For a family that I have never met, I just love them! If any of you read her wonderful blog, then you would know that her precious baby boy Stellan has uncontrolled SVT(Supraventricular Tachycardia-a heart rhythm that originates in the wrong spot on the heart, marked by an absent P wave, that causes a dangerously high heartbeat). If you want to read up on Stellans story go here and here. This little man has touched the lives of so many people all over the world! Seriously...The whole world! Just take a look at his Name Gallery!

Unfortunately, his doctors efforts for keeping him out of SVT are failing. He needs our prayers now more than ever!Stellan is in a very dire state. He is going to be airlifted to Boston, where doctors are going to try to save his little life!

Please pray for Wisdom for his brilliant doctors! Pray for Strength for his sweet family! Most importantly, pray for Comfort and Healing of this sweet little guy!!! Wear Orange, Chew Green Gum, and PRAY people! Lets do what we can to support this sweet babe and his family!

"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." ~Psalm 34:17

Zombies!

2009-07-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

While Daddy was playing video games, about to kill some zombies:

Daddy: "Ok...here we go!"

Bella: " Just be yourself Daddy!"

Small Talk Six 7/25/09

2009-07-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

Want to join in on “Small Talk Six!” Go here to see the weekly themes and post your own Saturday Small Talk Six post!

6 talents you wish you possessed

Speed Reading

(it would save so much time!)

Playing The Guitar

(I have an awesome electric guitar I need to put to use)

Speaking at least 2 foreign languages fluently

(for traveling purposes)

Crocheting/Knitting

(I could make such cute baby things)

Handy/Good at fixing things

(would save money & time)

Digital Scrapbooking

(my blog would be even more fabulous!)

Good Golly!

2009-07-23T13:59:00.001-07:00

***Blogiversary Giveaway Now Closed***

Well folks next week marks the one year Blogiversary of The Pepperling's Family Tree! I can't believe it! To think that just a year ago, I had no idea what blogging even was! Haha!

To thank all of my dear blog readers for all of the sweet comments and support,

I am having a Blogiversary Giveaway!

Here's how to enter:

(You will receive one entry for each of the following)

-Become a follower n leave me a comment telling me so-

-Add our button to your blog n leave a comment to tell me-

-Blog about our Blogiversary Giveaway n leave a comment with where to find it-

-Leave a comment with your guess on what Starbucks concoction I'm consuming in the photo above

(1st one to get it right gets a special prize)-

Please leave each entry comment Separately and include your email address in each entry!

To leave your entry comment click the "comments link" on This post!

Whats the prize you ask???

Well...Its a secret!!! Mwah-ah-ah!

I will announce the winners and the prizes on the morning of Our Blogiversary!

(July 30th, 2009)

Hurry and enter!

The Blogiversary giveaway ends at

11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, July 29th!

She's Listening!

2009-07-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Husband: "So babe...Chippendale's dancers are gonna be at Club 101."

Wife: "Haha, and why are you telling me this?"

An Eavesdropping Bella: "Daddy...I don't think I like Chippendale's. I just like Duck Tales!"

Good Hygiene!

2009-07-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Hey daddy, In eight days I can play play-doh at my pre-school, and I can even wash my hands there when they're dirty."

Super Easy Enchiladas!

2009-07-22T16:18:00.001-07:00

Forgive me readers for my absence lately! I took a lil vacay from my blogaroo, but I'm back! We had a blast in Louisiana, and then we had a very relaxing week or so back at home. So now that I'm all refreshed, I thought I would give you a small treat.

I give you the recipe to my

super easy enchiladas!

What you will need:

1lb of Hamburger

1 Packet of Taco Seasoning

(I use Taco Bell brand)

1-2 cups Salsa

(I use Mild Pace Picante)

8 Burrito Size Flour Tortillas

1 lg. can or 2 sm. cans Enchiladas Sauce

(I use Old El Paso brand Mild red sauce)

Sour Cream

(I use Daisy)

1 bag/2cups of Shredded Cheese

(any mexi-blend)

A skillet

A cookie sheet

Aluminum Foil(optional)

First, Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then, Brown the hamburger over medium heat in your skillet. Next, Drain and add your taco seasoning. Follow the directions on the seasoning packet.

Then add your salsa to the taco meat. Mix well.

Now if you want easy clean up after your enchiladas have been devoured, cover your cookie sheet with aluminum foil(optional). Then, spread enchiladas sauce evenly across the bottom of your cookie sheet.

Take a tortilla and place some taco meat down the center.(This recipe will make 6-8 enchiladas depending on how much meat you put in each tortilla)

Then, Sprinkle on some cheese.

Next, put three dollops of sour cream on the enchilada, and then fold it up. to do this, I fold the left side over first, then the right, and tuck the right side under the enchilada.(hope that makes sense!) Repeat these steps until you run out of taco meat. Like I said, it usually makes 6-8.

When you are done assembling them, it will look like this.

Next, smother your newly assembled enchiladas with enchiladas sauce.

Sprinkle cheese over the top.

Then, add three more dollops of sour cream to each enchilada like so.

Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top and drizzle a little enchiladas sauce over each enchilada.

Pop in the oven for 30 minutes, and Voila!

Yummy, Easy, Enchiladas!

Enjoy!

Small Talk Six 7/18/2009

2009-07-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Want to join in on “Small Talk Six!” Go here to see the weekly themes and post your own Saturday Small Talk Six post!

6 flavors or types of ice cream that you love or hate:

LOVE:

1. Peanut Butter Soft Serve

2. Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

3. Chocolate Gelato

(Hmmm...I think I see a trend here! :D)

HATE:

4. Mint Chocolate Chip

5. Pretty Much Any Fruit Flavor

6. Spumoni

Num-Num-Num!

2009-07-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Look my sissy is a yogurt monster!"

Oh The Holidays!

2009-07-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

The "Not Me!" Monday blog carnival was created by MckMama at My Charming Kids. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing.

As for me...

I did not travel across the lone star state for what we all thought would be a leisurely drive to my in-laws home in Louisiana. I assure you it was not the longest drive of our lives. We of course did not leave at 6:30 am and arrive at 2:30am the next day! That would be ridiculous! After all...it was only a 967 mile/14hr drive!

We did not spend an hour an a half looking for LA-35 that we were supposed to turn on to! Thinking that we would surely NEVER find it, my husband did not state, "We probably crashed and are in purgatory. We will probably spend the rest of eternity looking for LA-35." This did not freak me out by the way! Luckily we finally received a signal on our cell phone that enabled us to phone my mother in-law for some directions! Let me just tell you that map quest and portable navigators are not ever wrong! They are precise, accurate, and would not ever lead you astray! They would not tell you that your turn was only 9.2 miles away when really it is 40 miles! Not this wonderful technology! I was not at all relieved to arrive at our destination!!!

The 4th came and we had a pretty good time. We did the usual holiday thing...swimming in the pool, good food, fireworks, etc.

Our holiday of course did not include four of us shooting guns, an old man showing off his senility and throwing a huge fit, and the police paying us a friendly visit!

This old man did not tell the police that bullets were flying past his head. I would never try to kill someone for holiday fun! Not me! In a fit of rage said crazy old person did not slip and fall in the ditch! I did not laugh! I promise!!! Long story short...Police told us to be careful, the man threw an even bigger fit that we were not arrested, and then stormed off! Ah memories!!!

Summer Vacay!

2009-07-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! For the next week or so I will be vacationing in Louisiana with my fam, so I probably wont post much until we are home again! Hope everyone had an awesome 4th!!!

Oh P.S. Happy Birthday to my Kam-Berry! She turns 2 tomorrow!!! Yay!

Small Talk Six-07/04/2009

2009-07-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Want to join in on “Small Talk Six!” Go here to see the weekly themes and post your own Saturday Small Talk Six post!

Name 6 of your favorite patriotic films

Independence Day

Forrest Gump

Saving Private Ryan

National Treasure

The Patriot

Team America

The Usual Not Me Monday!

2009-06-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

The "Not Me!" Monday blog carnival was created by MckMama at My Charming Kids. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing.

As for me...

I did not do nothing all week! I was not keeled over cramping, and whining, and being grumpy! Of course it was not that time of the month! I do have to say that I have the best husband in the world! He is never emasculated or embarrassed to go buy me tampons when needed. Although, I would not ever make him do that...not me...especially not the ginormous multi-pack of like 50 of them! Haha!

Robby also did not get in a fight on Friday, sustaining such injuries as a bruised nose and jaw, a large scratch to the face, and bruised, possibly broken ribs. I know what you are thinking, and no...I am not that brutal when I am on my period! ;o)Really though...I'm not!!! He competed in a tournament on post(My husband is in the Army for those of you who don't already know.)that was basically like UFC fighting...anything goes apparently. He finished 9th out of 78! Not too shabby!

Then came the weekend. I absolutely did not give in to the temptation to have a little shopping therapy! I did not buy about 50 books for less than 20 dollars! That would just make me a bargain shopping goddess! Either that, or my husband knows where the good used book stores are...which he does not! I of course then fought the urge to go shopping for new clothes, and did not...I repeat...did not go to Ross, where they had the cutest little outfits for the girls and an adorable swimsuit for Bella! I promise I will not take pictures of all the cuteness while she is swimming at her Grandma's this week!

Sunday, Robby had CQ(24hr duty). So the kiddos and I were left all by our lonesome. Then it started raining! I am an Oregonian relocated to the desert of Texas, so I love the rain. Rain is a bit different here though! I did not look out my front window to stare at the amazing storm and find a river where my street used to be! I also didn't then go to my back door and find a lake just outside my window that used to be our backyard! Ah well, maybe our grass will turn green now.

The rain isn't the only thing that's different here.The lightening is different too! See the pic above taken from Bella's window. Instead of the bolts reaching towards the ground, they stretch across the sky. Weird!

The storm was also not so horrifically powerful that I honestly thought we were having an earthquake with how hard the thunder shook the house! I literally was picking things up off the floor that had fallen off of my nightstand. Car alarms were going off and everything.

When I text my husband to tell him how crazy the storm was effecting us on our side of town he of course did not respond by saying, "Be afraid...Be very afraid!" That would just be mean! I was not afraid!!!

Baby Boom!!!

2009-06-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

So it seems like everyone in the world is getting pregnant or are havin' babies! Its craziness! Even my own Dad is having a baby...Scratch that...My Step-Mom is having the baby, but you know what I mean. So with the world procreating all around us, one might get "Baby Fever." Well since I currently have an infant, I think I'll wait a few years before I try to wrap my head around the idea of baby #3, but hey I can still have a Routan baby...Right?!

I asked Robby to name him and then we started arguing over names like we were actually naming a real baby! Ha! So in an effort to stop the madness, I picked a name, he picked a name, then we plugged them into the Random Renamer, and Voila! Delaware Leviticus Pepperling it is! Hahahaha!

This cracks me up! His eyes creep me out a little though! I think everyone needs a Routan Baby!

Go make a baby(A Routan one people)!!!

Small Talk Six- 6/27/2009

2009-06-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Want to join in on “Small Talk Six!” Go here to see the weekly themes and post your own Saturday Small Talk Six post!

If you had magical sunglasses, name 6 things you would like to see with them?

My Future-I wonder what our life will be like 10 years from now!

Peoples Inner Beauty/Ugliness-How convenient this would make life!

TV/Movies- That would be the bees knees!

X-ray- To see through wooden doors and lots of other things!

Germs/Microscopic Critters-I always wonder if I have truly disinfected things, and where other grody germs and bugs are hiding!

See Anybody...Anywhere...Anytime-How nice it would be to never have to miss anyone!

Giveaway Anyone???

2009-06-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

If any of you know me well, you would know that I love my Bare Minerals makeup and mascara! Seriously...two beauty products I can't live without!

Well Becky over at The Branches is having a giveaway for some spendy mascara that she raves about!

Go to her blog and enter for your chance to win some DIOR Show Iconic Mascara!

Hurry the winner will be announced next Friday!!!

ABC's of Melina Marie!

2009-06-24T23:53:00.000-07:00

I got this from Holly @ Pink is My Signature Color. I love these!!!I agree with her that its a fun way we can all learn a little something about each other we may not have known! If you do it too, let me know! I'll read yours! Promise!

A-Age: 24

B-Birth date: April 5th, 1985

C-Chore you hate: Dishes or Mopping

D-Dog's name: Rocco

E-Enter or Exit: Huh???

F-Favorite color: Green

G-Gold or silver: Ummm...White Gold Please!

H-Hair color: Chocolate

I-Instrument: I played the clarinet, the mandolin, and the piano when I was like 12.

J-Job Title: Stay at Home Mama & Wifey(Domestic Goddess if you prefer.)

K-Kids: 2...Bella-4 years...Lilly-9 months.

L-Living arrangements: ???In a house w/My Hubs, The Kiddos and a Big Cuddly Bulldog

M-Monkey or Moose: Monkey

N-Nicknames: Mimi, Mel, Melonu, Babysnakes

O-Odd thing about you: Uh?...I am double jointed, and my husband tells me that when i get angry I talk like I'm from Brooklyn, NY...Is that odd??? ;o)

P-Pet Peeve: People that lie/Fake people, Dog hair on my couch, Clothes on the floor, etc.

Q-Quote from a movie: "You shut your mouth when you're talkin' to me!"~Wedding Crashers

R-Right/Left Handed: Left

S-Siblings: One brother, Angelo. One sister coming this September, Sophia.

T-Time you wake up? Whenever I hear the kids get up!

U-Underwear: TMI...TMI!

V-Veggie you dislike: Squash...fo sho!

W-What makes you run late: The little ones!

X-X-Rays: I've had them pretty much everywhere.

Y-Yummy food you make: Enchiladas

Z-Zoo Animal: Elephants

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-06-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Crazy!

2009-06-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Daddy, I think you are driving me crazy!"

Yes Mam!

2009-06-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Daddy move these books for me please!"

Daddy: "Yes Mam!"

Bella: "Daddy, don't call me Mam! I'm your daughter not a mam!"

Look-alikes

2009-06-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

I got really bored this morning and decided to see who our children look more like. Me or Robby? Here are my look-alike Meter results. What do you think??? Is this spiffy face recognition software accurate?

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Pretty Cool!!!

2009-06-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

The Father's Day Baseball cake that I made for Robby is now on coolest-birthday-cakes.com

Go here if you want to check it out!

Cake!!!

2009-06-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Mommy: "Bella, How do you like the cake that we made???"

Bella: "Mmmmm. It tastes like baseball! Delicious!"

Happy Father's Day!!!

2009-06-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

Husband,

Happy Father's Day!!! Thank you so much for being the best Daddy our girls could have ever asked for! Our babies adore you, and so do I! We are your biggest fans and love you like crazy!

Love,

Your Girls

Today Robby got to go golfing all day with his friends as a Father's Day gift. So Bella and I baked him a cake! Then Bella and Lilly made him a very special present! Here are our creations for our favorite Daddy!

This is Robby and Rocco in matching baseball jerseys! Haha!

This is my favorite! I got the idea over at Tip Junkie.

We had a pretty good day! Happy Father's Day Babe!

(A BIG thank you to Summer over at Summer's Cakes for the marshmallow fondant recipe!)

Here are just a few of the cute memories that we have been able to catch on camera!

Best Pancakes EVER!!!

2009-06-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the recipe for The Best Pancakes EVER as Bella calls them, adapted from McMama's recipe.

What You'll Need:

Pancake mix(like Bisquick)

Water

1/2 cup Sour Cream

3 Eggs

1/3 cup Pancake syrup(I used Mrs. Butterworth)

1/2 cup of fresh fruit(optional)

Make pancake batter using the pancake mix and water as directed on the box.

Then add sour cream, eggs, and syrup.

(you can also add fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries...up to you!)

Mix Well!

Make pancakes on a hot skillet(i used about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake), drizzle some syrup over the top, and enjoy!

Pancakes!!!

2009-06-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mama, I love you! You are a good citizen for making me pancakes! These are the best pancakes EVER!"

"Oh mom? Are my teeth bones???"

Mommy: "Hahaha! Yes Bella!"

Works for Me Wednesday!

2009-06-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate it when you have a recipe you really want to make, but are missing ONE ingredient? I do! We currently have only one car, so when my husband is at work, I unfortunately cant go to the store and grab it. This was my situation today! So...I improvised!!!

I wanted to make no-bake cookies, but was missing the key ingredient...the quick-cooking oats! Fortunately I did have a big box of Quakers Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal!

Crisis averted!!!

They turned out perfect, and DELICIOUS!

Here's the recipe!

Maple & Brown Sugar No Bake Cookies

What You Will Need:

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

8 packets(3 cups) of maple & brown sugar instant oatmeal

1 tsp. vanilla extract

wax paper

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Then, stir in the peanut butter,

then the oatmeal and vanilla.
Mix well!

Drop spoonfuls onto your wax paper, and let cool until hardened.

Yum! It doesn't get better than chocolaty, peanut buttery goodness!

Enjoy!

Note: If you wanna make plain old no-bake cookies, omit the packets of oatmeal for 3 cups of quick-cooking oats.

Bella's Birthday Cake & A Blog Bake Off!

2009-06-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

They are having a blog bake-off over at Summer's Cakes! Check out her blog! Her cakes are Amazing! I thought about baking another concoction for my entry but this is my favorite creation that I've made so far! So here it is...Bella's birthday cake!

So for some reason I decided that I would make Bella's birthday cake this year. On top of that I decided that since she is having a tea party themed birthday, I would make her cake in the shape of a teapot. I drew out a few different designs and had Bella pick one. Not really sure what I was thinking! HaHa! This was a huge challenge! But for the first birthday cake that I have ever made...I think I did a pretty good job.

The teapot is a yellow ball cake covered in buttercream frosting and then fondant. The teacups are chocolate cupcakes also covered in buttercream and then decorated in fondant. The saucers are sugar cookies in buttercream n fondant.

This isn't a very good picture. I used neon colored fondant. It looks alot brighter in person!

Thank goodness I only have to do this once or twice a year!

Lunch!

2009-06-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mommy: "Hey Bella, What do you want for lunch today?"

Bella: "Ummm. How about a knuckle sandwich? That would be yummy!"

Not Me Monday!

2009-06-15T10:20:00.001-07:00

The "Not Me!" Monday blog carnival was created by MckMama at My Charming Kids. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing.

As for me...

My week was pretty uneventful, thus my lack of blogging. I did sell some items in My Etsy Shop which is always exciting! I have had not the least bit of cabin fever...I swear!

So when Friday came along, I most certainly did not tell my husband to take the night off from the fam and have a night out with his friends knowing that I would be bored out of my mind! Why would I do that? I did not then take pictures of myself with the web cam on my laptop, documenting my boredom!

Not me...Never!

I was not surprised in the least that my husband arrived home earlier than I expected! I was thinking that he would be out 'til the bars closed, but instead he was home by 1am. Why you ask? Well he for sure was not at a gay club! Bahahaha! If any of you know my husband, you would find this hilarious!

His good friend Lankston did not drag him and Warden to said gay club promising free drinks due to his connections! I do not now question Lanky's sexuality in the slightest...Not me! Haha! Although I guess I should have always since he and my husband jokingly refer to him as my husband's boyfriend since they are such good buddies! LOL!

The three amigos, I'm absolutely sure were not the only straight men in the bar, which for them would be awkward...which it was not. Not even when the "male performers" came out, and their clothes started coming off! This of course was not the point that my husband left to hurry home to his wife! I really wish I had pictures of that night out! Hee Hee!

P.S. My husband is not going to kill me for blogging about this!

We had a relaxed Saturday, and went searching for used books! I love the smell of old books it reminds me of the library in elementary school!

Sunday, we went grocery shopping. My hubby made some fettuccine alfredo. I made the speal! Then we sat down and watched Land of the Lost. I would like to tell you that I did not consume an entire bag of chocolate covered pretzels while watching it!

Then the wee ones were off to bed, and it was time to watch my show...TRUE BLOOD! Hooray! Its back! I'm not excited I assure you! The very first episode of season two was good...as anticipated. I was not at all peeved when my DVR cut off the end! Grrrr! Oh well!

All About Us!!!

2009-06-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.

Robby-- 10 years ago I:
1. got my first car
2. was 16
3. loved to skateboard

Melina-- 10 Years Ago I:
1. went to San Francisco n Alcatraz with Ash
2. was about to start high school
3. I was so young and in shape!!!

Robby-- 5 things on my to-do list today:
1. help Lanky pass his PT test
2. shoot expert
3. go to class
4. look good
5. get it on with my wife

Melina-- 5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Take care of Lilly Bean and Bella Boo!
2. Clean the house
3. Call the vet.
4. Make doctors appointments for me and the girls.
5. Sew something

Robby-- 5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. Mustard flavored pretzels
2. chips and salsa
3. twix
4. pistachios
5. sunflower seeds

Melina-- 5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. Popcorn and nacho cheese
2. Chocolate covered pretzels or raisins
3. Chips with salsa and sour cream
4. Milano cookies
5. mini turkey n american cheese lunchables

Robby-- What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:
I would build a cabin in the woods and buy a million gallons of gasoline, a generator,food, a hundred years of books, n would never leave!

Melina-- What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:
Build my dream home and decorate, decorate, decorate, build a vacation cob home in the country, buy a car, pay off our debts, take a family vacation, take a second honeymoon, take Bella n Lil' shopping, invest, learn to speak at least 3 languages fluently, help out family and friends, start new charities, and donate to others, the possibilities would be endless.

Robby-- 5 places I have lived:
1. Alexandria,VA
2. Lebanon, OR
3. Lafayette, LA
4. El Paso, TX
5. Huntsville, AL

Melina-- 5 places I have lived:
1. Spokane, Washington
2. Lebanon, Oregon
3. Lafayette Louisiana
4. Alexandria(Fort Belvoir), Virginia
5. El Paso(Fort Bliss), Texas

Robby-- 5 jobs that I have had:
1. Mcdonald's employee
2. Costco box boy
3. US Army soldier
4. federal technician
5. gas attendant

Melina-- 5 jobs that I have had:
1. Concession Worker
2. Window Display Designer
3. Sales Associate
4. Receptionist
5. Customer Service/Front-End Supervisor

Robby-- 3 of my favorite books:
1. Of Mice and Men
2. IT
3. Lost World

Melina-- 3 of my favorite books:
1. When World Views Collide
2. Eclipse
3. Breaking Dawn

Writer's Block!

2009-06-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

I have been trying for the past 5 days to add a new post to this lovely blog of mine! I'm pretty sure that I have writers block, cause I've got nothin! LOL! So since I for the moment cannot come up with anything witty or interesting to write about, and Bella hasn't said anything hilarious lately, I will leave you with the easy casserole dish I mentioned in this post! Enjoy, and until my writer's block passes...Ta-Ta! :D

Tater-Tot Casserole

What you will need:

13x9 casserole dish

Tater-tots

1-1/2 lbs Hamburger

Salt and Pepper

1 packet of taco seasoning (optional)

2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese or mexi-blend

Frank's brand hot sauce(optional)

Preheat your oven to 350. Then line a casserole dish with frozen tater-tots as shown above!

Brown 1-1 1/2lbs of hamburger in a skillet, salt and pepper to taste.(Tip: for mexi-style omit salt and pepper, and add taco seasoning to the hamburger as directed on packet, Taco Bell brand is my favorite!)Drain. Then add two cans of Cream of Mushroom soup(Tip: use garlic cream of mushroom soup for more flavor).

Pour hamburger mixture over tater-tots in casserole dish. Make sure all of the tater-tots are covered.

Sprinkle cheese over the top and bake for 30 minutes!

(Tip: add some Frank's hot sauce for some extra flavor!)

Enjoy!

What's The Point? Wednesday!

2009-06-03T14:29:00.001-07:00

Whats the point of taking antibiotics, if all they do is make your stomach hurt, and you are still hacking your lungs out?

Whats the point of having coloring books if your child uses themself as a canvas?

Whats the point of vacuuming your living room floor and furniture, if your lovely shedding bulldog follows right after you and rubs himself all over the newly cleaned space and then shakes so his fur flies everywhere?

Whats the point of beautifully reupholstering your dining room chairs if your four year old daughter sits in one? They are destined for dumped spaghetti sauce, spilled juice, and the results of a leaking grape otter pop!

Whats the point in buying a special Dora garbage can for your daughter's room, if every time she finds a piece of garbage, she comes downstairs and asks you to throw it away for her? Do I look like the Garbage Man? Man...I hope not! :o)

Seriously...This is my day!

Swine Flu is Real!

2009-05-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

UPDATE...

Thank the Lord...I don't have the swine flu! LOL! I went to the doctor yesterday and it turns out that I have a horrible case of bronchitis! So, he loaded me up with about 5 prescriptions that will hopefully make me better soon!

A special thank you to my loving, wonderful husband that took care of me and our very spirited children this weekend while I was ill! And, that also waited in the waiting room of the ER with them for a whole 3 1/2 hours while the doctors were tryin' to figure out what was wrong with me.
~Love you babe!

------------------------------------------------------
ORIGINAL...

I am about sick and tired of this whole swine flu thing! Not only have two people just died of the swine flu in El Paso (Where I live!!!), but one of them was my age! I'm not gonna lie...I'm freaked out! Bella started coughing and had a fever the day before yesterday. She seems a little better. No fever anymore but she still has that darn cough, which kinda seems worse. And Lucky me, I woke up with the worst sore throat I have ever had in my entire life, and its still burnin' strong!

It sucks because the swine flu symptoms are really just like any other flu. Even if you test negative for influenza at your doc's office, you may still have it. The only way to know for sure if you have it, is to have labs taken at your doctors office and have them sent to the state agencies, and they aren't offering these tests to everyone...only those who have severe symptoms or are in the groups for high risk, because of the enormous amount of tests being sent in. I think Bella might be in a high risk category but I'm not sure. They have been mainly saying children under two.

This is ridiculous! I should just be thinking, "No big deal! We're kinda sick, but it will pass. If not we will go to the doctor and get antibiotics." Not, "Crap this could be the Swine flu and we could die." RIDICULOUS!!!

As if the freakin' Swine Flu is not bad enough, a little kid is battling rabies because she was bitten by a bat that had rabies(the 5th bat that tested positive for rabies here this year)! Less than 1% of people survive from rabies, so basically NONE!

Swine Flu and Bats with Rabies! Great!

No more watching the news for me!

Growing!

2009-05-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mommy, I'm growing!"

Mommy: "Yes you are!"

Bella: "And when I'm a grown up, I'm gonna make dinner!"

Mommy: "You are? What else are you going to do when you are a grown up?"

Bella: "Ummm, bake pancakes for Easter! Oh...and be a firefighter!"

Sold Out!

2009-05-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

If any of you have been traveling to My Etsy Shop via

my Rose Hairpin Tutorial post and were disappointed that they were nowhere to be found, don't fret! ;o)

I SOLD OUT!

As soon as my supply shipments come in I will get more in there!

Circus!

2009-05-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday, we headed out of the house and went to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus! For Robby, Bella, and Lilly, this was their first circus ever. I hadn't been to one since I was probably as old as Bella. We had so much fun!

Bells with a couple of the performers. They didn't do much though. I think one of these girls juggled some scarfs for like a minute. I could do that! Did they just wake up one day and say, "Hmmm. I think I'll join the circus?" I should have asked I guess.

Lilly was happy as could be ridin' with her Daddy in her new carrier.

Well I tried to get a good pic of me and my Bella before my camera died, but she just wasn't havin' it! Too excited for the circus to take a pic with her mom i guess!

Bella eatin' a clown fro snow cone! Scary!(Not Bella...The clown!)

Bella in her spiffy new hat that came with her cotton candy! It was a little big! LOL!

Lilly loved the cotton candy!

Sweet Lilly baby all tuckered out! Every time the circus band played music she would shake her head back and forth, and dance, and laugh! Silly girl! She had a blast!

The Finale!

My camera kept dying so this was the only picture I took of the actual circus!

"Robots" Interactive Exhibit!

2009-05-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, we went to The Interactive Robots Exhibit at the Lynx Exhibits Museum. The exhibit was based one of Bella's favorite movies, "Robots."

They had a ton of activites for all of the kids! Bella had a blast!

Daddy and Bella using robot arms to pick up toys and put them in a box. It was tougher than it looked! ;o)

Daddy and Bella playing with some real robots!

Bella and I in the cross-town express from the robots movie! There was a screen in front of it that played this part of the movie, and the seat moved with the movie so it was like you were really riding the cross-town express!

Bella playing with more robot arms to move blocks!

Bella takin a quick pic before building her own robot.

Daddy and Bella playing and learning about dominos just like Bigweld, and Lilly...as always...happy as clam!

Daddy and Bella as Fender's head!

We had so much fun!

Italian Night!

2009-05-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

So tonight is Italian night! What does that mean??? Well it means that the theme for our dinner is Robby's favorite...Italian!

I made lasagna, caesar salad, warm Italian bread, and l'olio saporiti e l'aceto for dipping!

What is l'olio saporiti e l'aceto??? Well...it means tasty oil and vinegar in Italian. For short we call it "the speal." Its my little take on the classic oil and vinegar that you dip your bread in as an appetizer, and boy is it ever tasty! Don't believe me? Try it for yourself! Here's how to make it!

What you will need:

A small plate

Balsamic Vinegar

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Minced Garlic

100% Grated Parmesan Cheese

First you will need a teaspoon to a tablespoon of minced garlic, depending on how much garlic you like.

Then spread the minced garlic evenly around the plate, as shown above.

Next, cover the plate & garlic with your grated parmesan cheese (about 3/4 cup).

I then make a sort of spiral of balsamic vinegar over the cheese.

Lastly, I zig-zag the extra-virgin olive oil over the top.

Slice some Italian or French bread for dipping and enjoy!

Its a big favorite at my house! Let me know how ya like it!

Not Me Monday!

2009-05-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

The "Not Me!" Monday blog carnival was created by MckMama at My Charming Kids. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing.

As for me...

This week I was not a work-a-holic. I did not run around my house like a pregnant nesting mother or if you prefer, a chicken with her head cut off cleaning and disinfecting and organizing...and disinfecting.

I did not find myself covered in mod podge and super glue due to the fact that I was making creations for My Etsy Shop.

I absolutely did not feel the need to organize every nook and cranny of my home and spray everything with disinfectant while wearing zebra print rubber gloves. Then, ten minutes later when all my surfaces were surely disinfected I did not spray them again to disinfect for another ten minutes...Not me!

My OCD was most certainly not so intense that I kept running after my children picking up and organizing every small item that was out of place!

On Saturday, while taking a break from my madness to make some dinner for my fam, I did not accidentally create the most yummy casserole dish ever! I may or may not post the easy recipe later!

I have to also mention that while I was quite possibly the evil cleaning queen of my domicile, my evil ways did not rub off on my oldest daughter causing her to make her bedroom spic-n- span. She also didn't feel a need to then clean her own bathroom. That would just be insanity...a twilight zone if you will!

Of course, I didn't take before and after pics of my cleaning lunacy to blog about it later. That would make me a crazy person, which I am not!

Sweet Tooth!

2009-05-15T00:20:00.000-07:00

I as of late have had a major hankering for everything sweet! More specifically anything chocolate covered. Chocolate covered raisins and pretzels being my favorites, but did you know that sugar has many different uses other than making your tooth ache and your tummy jiggle?

Here are 5 summer worthy uses that have nothing to do with your sweet tooth:

#1 A Hand Cleanser- I'm sure you have heard of sugar scrubs. I love them. Sugar works as a natural exfoliant, so if you have very greasy and/or dirty hands, rub them with sugar and rinse to cleanse them.

#2 Soothe A Burn On Your Tongue- I can name about a hundred times that I have sipped my coffee or hot chocolate or took a bite of food way too soon and burnt my tongue. Next time this happens to you, sprinkle a little sugar on it and the pain will be temporarily relieved.

#3 Bug Trap/Killer- If you have a fly or wasp problem boil some water and sugar together, sometimes adding pepper helps. Then pour it into an open container like a cup or jar. They will be attracted by the sugar, and will get stuck in the liquid.
-If you have a cockroach problem, mix together some sugar and baking powder. They will be attracted to the sugar, but the baking powder will kill them.

#4 Keep Food Fresh- I actually use this method to help keep cookies fresh, but it would work for biscuits, muffins, etc. Simply put some sugar cubes in the bottom of the jar, box, container etc. that you are storing your baked goods. The cubes will absorb the moisture and keep your food fresh for much longer.

#5 Get A Fire Going- Who needs kindling when you've got sugar. If you are having a tough time getting a fire going, throw some sugar on it, about a handful. The sweet stuff will light up and help to get your fire blazing.

A Simple Giraffe Taggie!

2009-05-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

This is the first taggie animal that I have attempted. Bella suggested that I make a giraffe and he should be running.

So here he is...running! LOL!

Once he was all finished, Bella lovingly named him Stripes!

HaHa!

Rose Hairpin Tutorial!

2009-05-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

This is such a FUN and FAST Craft!

I think it probably took me less than 15 seconds to make one.

Seriously!

What you will need:

A bobby pin with an 8mm pad

A rose cabochon 18mm or larger

super glue gel

You can find everything you need on Etsy, but I found cheaper rose cabochons on ebay.

First, place a dab of super glue gel on the pad of the bobby pin.

Next place the bobby pin glue side down onto the flat side of the rose.

Press firmly, Let dry, and...

BAM!

You have an adorable, EASY, hair pin!

If you dont feel like making them but want some. Go to My Etsy Shop! I'll be putting a ton of them in my boutique today!

7...8 Months Old!

2009-05-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

So last month I completely forgot to do my monthly post for my little Beeb! I cannot believe that she is going to be 8 months old tomorrow! So here's an update.

Lil' turned seven months on April 15th. By that time she had perfected the art of being mobile using a technique that most people call...Crawling. :D She also pulled herself up to stand, and grew the most adorable little tooth I have ever seen! All of this being mastered within days. What can I say...She's gifted. ;o)

From then to now...

She has been enjoying many new foods!

I got her this spiffy thing from Walmart that she loves. Its called a fresh food feeder. You just put the fresh food in the net and snap it closed. They can chew, chomp, and suck on it with no worries of your little one choking and its BPA Free! This has been a lifesaver with her teething. I've been putting frozen fruit in it to soothe her little gums. She loves her some cantaloupe!
A few more of her favorite foods have been mashed potatoes, cheese, peaches, and...Spaghetti! Haha! She is my daughter!

To add to her growing capabilities. She can now walk around the entire living room. She can only do this while holding on to the furniture of course, and I should probably note that our living room is rather small, but she is getting closer and closer to reaching that big milestone...Walking! She also grew another adorable tooth right next to her first.

As far as her speaking, she adds more and more words to her vocabulary every day! She is very good at copying sounds that we say to her. She even spoke a sort of sentence the other day.

I had laid her in her crib with a bottle, so I could get a few things done around the house, and by the time I reached the bottom of the stairs she had already started fussing. So, I went back upstairs to see what she needed. When I got to her opened door she saw me and pleaded, " Mum-Ma...Ba-Ba!" She had dropped her bottle on the floor and wanted me to give it to her. Ahhh...I love her!

Most of her vocabulary consists of Da-Da(Daddy), Mum-Ma(Mommy), Ba-ba(Bottle), Pup-Pup(Puppy/Rocco), Blah-Blah(Bella). She is trying to say Uh-Oh, but hasnt mastered that one yet.

We now appear to have two Bulldogs! LOL! She loves Rocco!

She has also traded her infant carseat in for a big girl one!

Watching her grow and grow is so bittersweet!

All in all, she is a healthy, beautiful, sweet, funny 8 month old baby, and we love her to pieces. We are so blessed to have her, and I'm so proud to be her "Mum-Ma."

Love you Lilly Bean!

Clothespin Magnet Tutorial!

2009-05-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in love with this little craft project. My fridge can get completely filled with art from my little Bella. I always have to use two or three magnets just to keep them on the fridge. These clothespin magnets make hanging Bella's masterpieces so much easier. I only need one magnet, they clip right to her artwork, they are so cute, and very easy to make!

What you will need:

Clothespins

Scrapbook Paper

Craft Magnets(the stronger the better)

Fine Sandpaper(optional)

Mod Podge

Super Glue Gel
Scissors or an Exacto Knife

A Foam Brush

First cut out two pieces of scrapbook paper to fit the front and back of your clothes pin with your scissors or an exacto knife.

Next, with your foam brush, paint a little mod podge onto the back side of one of your cut pieces of paper.

Then press it to either the front or back of your clothespin so that it is now covered with your paper.

Sand around the edges of the paper to give your clothepin a nice and clean appearance. (optional)

Then cover the newly placed and sanded paper with mod podge using your foam brush.Let dry, and repeat these steps to cover the other side of the clothespin.

Once both the front and back have been covered with your paper and are dry, it is time to add your magnet to the back.

I cut about an inch of magnet from a roll of craft magnet I got from Hobby Lobby, but you may use any type of magnet you wish. (I like these because you can cut them to whatever size you like so its hidden behind the clothespin.)

Then cut the magnet to the width of your clothespin. Peel off the paper on the back of the magnet and apply a thin strip of super glue gel to the sticky adhesive side where the paper was.

Choose which side of the clothespin you wish to have the magnet on, and firmly place the magnet, glue side down, in the middle of that side of the clothespin.

Let the super glue dry for about a minute and your magnet is complete!

Ta-Da!

Artwork by Miss Bella. It's a Dog if you were wondering. :o)

Not Me Monday!

2009-05-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

The "Not Me!" Monday blog carnival was created by MckMama at My Charming Kids. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing.

As for me...

Yesterday, I did not lay in bed blogging and surfing the Internet while my husband and oldest daughter Bella cleaned the house and did the dishes. I also did not laugh hysterically when Robby told Lilly(our almost 8 month old daughter) to take out the garbage, and when she didn't reply, he turned to me stating, "She's not listening to me!" Nope...Not Me!

I absolutely did not feel the need to then take a nap for 2 1/2 hrs.

I most certainly did not lob on the couch watching "Teen Wolf" while my loving husband made us all dinner. Which was, in my opinion, not at all delicious. ;o)

I did not play catch with Bella in our backyard until it became dark, while Robby gave Rocco a bath due to the fact that Bella did not throw dirt all over him while she was digging outside.

I of course did not hurry and give Miss Bella a bath and put her in her jim-jams just in time for her to watch Family Guy with her Daddy. I am not a bad Mother for doing so...Don't judge me!

I also am not so addicted to the Twilight saga that after our little ones were off to dreamland I stayed up until 2am reading the last book.

Feel guilty? Of course I don't...Not Me! Hey...it was Mother's day!

Ramen Noodles!

2009-05-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mommy, I need some ice cream cause I finished my mama noodles!"

Tilt-Shift Maker

2009-05-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

Today I found the most addicting little photo editor at How About Orange. It is called the Tilt Shift Maker. A tilt shift photo is a regular photograph transformed to look like a miniature scale model. And let me tell you it is sooooo much fun! Some photos work better than others. If you want to give it a try click here.

I posted a few of my Tilt-Shift creations below.

Enjoy!

Original

Tilt-Shift version

Her Barbie Jeep really looks like its meant for Barbie! Haha!

Original

Tilt-Shift Version

Original

Tilt-Shift Version

I love this one of Bella on the beach!

Original

Two Different Tilt-Shift Versions

The chairs look like they belong in a dollhouse and the bowling balls look like marbles!

Weird!

Original

Tilt-Shift Version

Yep...Thats my Husband! LOL!

Mr. Elephant

2009-05-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

This is just one of the hundreds of projects I have been doing.

I have been kind of sick lately, so I'll post more pics of some other projects when I feel up to taking them.

His name is Mr. Elephant, as named by Miss Bella. He is the first doll that I have made so far. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I think he turned out great. Bella wanted an elephant so I just invented this little guy.

On The Phone!

2009-05-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Husband: "Hey baby, I'm at the store. What kind of steaks do you want me to get?"

Wife: "Chuck."

Husband: "What did you call me?"

Bahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Mermaid-Wear!

2009-04-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mom, Ariel has a beautiful bra just like you!"

Thats funny...I dont remember having a purple seashell bra! LOL!

I Have Realized...

2009-04-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have realized I don't like getting up early!

I have realized that Lilly is growing way too fast and will be 25 before I know it!

I have realized I don't like my husband being in the field!

I have realized that Bella really is a big girl now!

I have realized that I love baking!

I have realized we have already outgrown what I thought was a ginormous house!

I have realized that I am running out of Twilight books to read!

I have realized that I'm missing home too much!

I have realized that Mod Podge and a Sewing Machine have become essential items in my household!

I have realized that I'm in need of some visitors!

I have realized that Milano cookies are AMAZING!

Bella's Prayer!

2009-04-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

"Now I lay me down to sleep.

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

Guard me Jesus through the night,

and wake me with thy morning light."

"Jesus, please bless Santa. Oh, and his reindeer!"

(Bella then asked for blessings for pretty much everyone that she has ever known! It was a very, very long list! She has a great memory for a four year old! Haha!)

"Amen"

Our New Addition!

2009-04-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Today Robby's dream finally came true!

We got a bulldog! His name is Rocco, and he is such a good boy!

He has one blue eye and one brown! So cute!

He loves the girls, especially Lilly! He can't stop kissing her! LOL!

I was a little apprehensive at first about getting a dog while i still have an infant to take care of, but I'm realizing that he is a perfect addition to our little family!

He is 3 years old, so most of the training is already done which is nice! He just relaxes on the floor or comes to sit next to you if he wants some lovin's!

Very Mellow!

He's so sweet!

Welcome home boy!

This Morning!

2009-04-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Bella: "Mommy, daddy is eating donuts in your room!"

Mommy: "Oh yeah?!"

Bella: "Yeah...He's bein a good boy! He's not gettin crumbs everywhere! He's not makin a mess! He is bein a berry good boy!"

Mommy: "Ha Ha! Oh Bella, I love you!"

Bella: "Love you too Mama!"

Bella Says!

2009-04-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

This morning Bella had Raisin Bran Extra with crispy flakes, sweet cranberries, plump raisins, almond slices, and "white" yogurty clusters for breakfast!

Bella: "Mmmm! This is my favorite! It tastes berry white!"

LOL!

Don't Miss Your Chance!

2009-04-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder!

The Lili Belle's Boutique giveaway ends today(Thursday April 16th) at 9:00pm EST!

Hurry and enter for your chance to win your favorite scrabble pendant from Lili Belle's!

Its easy, just go to Lili Belle's Boutique and take a look at the scrabble pendants!

Then go to Lili Belle's Blog and post a short comment listing your favorite pendant and why!
(click the "comments" link at the end of "The Giveaway" post to leave your entry comment)

Don't forget to post your email address along with your comment!!!

So Easy...and FREE!

For further details and for information on how to get more entries, go to Lili Belle's Blog!

Bella Says!

2009-04-13T14:20:00.001-07:00

"Mommy I don't want a snake spoon!
Snakes don't like me...But elephants do!!!"

All At Once!

2009-04-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

So the day before Easter, Lilly crawled! Yay!

Then, Yesterday, on Easter she got her first tooth!

Today she is trying very hard to pull herself up to stand!

She just has to do everything at the same time I guess!

Easter 2009!

2009-04-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter Yesterday!

The day started with the Bella waking up, finding her Easter basket, and eating almost all of the candy before Mommy and Daddy woke up! Ugh! Oh well!

Later on we had a bunny shaped lunch!

(That's a turkey sandwich...not just a piece of bread, in case you were wondering.)

After lunch it was off to the backyard to hunt for eggs!

I will warn you now! I took lots of pics!

Bella wanted to wear her Tinkerbell dress instead of her Easter dress! So funny!

The dog in the pic with Bella is soooo cute! Everytime we are in the backyard, this is what he does! He is so sweet!

Lilly loves the tutu I made for her! Mostly, she likes to eat it, but it looks so darn cute on her!

I cant stand it!

Lilly's first Easter egg!
Of course, she tried to eat it!

Poor girls...It was so freakin' bright outside!

Daddy loves!

After Dinner Bella and I decided to whip up some Easter "Peep-Cakes"! LOL!

Aren't they cute?

Yummy!

What a good day!!!

My New Best Friend!

2009-04-12T23:50:00.000-07:00

Spraypaint is my new best friend!!! I'm not sure why I didnt do this to our dining room table years ago, but the other day I decided I was gonna change it up!

Before it was a plain white color with a wooden top!

The chairs were sooooo yucky! The seats were all stained and gross, and again white! Blah!

Four cans of spray paint and less than a yard of fabric later and...

Ta-Da!

Just look at the difference!

Amazing! LOL!

Adorable!

2009-04-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

So this is how I found Lilly this morning!

I heard that she was awake but she wasn't fussing or anything so I went upstairs to check on her, and this was what she was doing. This was the first time she has ever pulled herself up. So cute. We're going to have to lower the bottom of her crib now though! HaHa

She was on her knees trying to reach her wipes...sneaky baby! When I walked in she just smiled and laughed at me because she knew I caught her!

I love my Lilly Bean!!!

Lili Belle's 1st Giveaway!

2009-04-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

I am hosting my very first giveaway from my Etsy shop, Lili Belle's Boutique!

If you want to score a FREE pendant go to Lili Belle's Blog to find out more!

Lili Belle's Boutique!

2009-04-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

My etsy shop is now up and running!

It is still "Under Construction" though, because I still have so much to add to my inventory!

I also started a new blog for the Boutique!

At Lili Belle's Blog I will be hosting giveaways from the Etsy Shop, making announcements that pertain to the store, along with dishing about fun and creative tips and ideas!

If you want to show some love or just visit the blog whenever you wish,

Grab my button!

Here's the code!

Just copy/paste!

Bella says!!!

2009-04-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

"Mommy, ants are the smallest, and I'm a giant Bella!"

;o)

Thank You Popeye!

2009-04-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

So for dinner I decided to make my favorite Bertolli Skillet meal. Chicken Florentine and Farfalle (Chicken, Farfalle Pasta, and...Spinach!)

When I served this to Miss Bella she dug in, but decided to tell me that she didn't like the green parts aka spinach!

So I asked her, " Dont you know what that is???"

Bella: "No."

Mommy: "Its Spinach, just like what Popeye eats, and remember spinach makes Popeye really strong!"

Bella: "Mmmmmmm! I'm going to eat lots of spinach so I can be berry strong!"

Mommy: "Ok!"

Bella then proceded to devour her dinner, spinach and all!

After every bite she took she had to flex her muscles of course! LOL!

Bella Says!

2009-04-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

"Mommy I love you! You are always my very best!!!"

HaHa!

Free rice!

2009-04-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

If you want to participate in a fun way to help end world hunger go to Free Rice!

The Great Sunflower Project!

2009-03-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

I have recently been giving an honest effort to doing more things "Green."

I try to save energy where I can! I purchase "green" cleaning products! I try to use less disposable items! I recycle every week, and have adopted the concept of loving things homemade!

I also really enjoy participating in projects/events that help the environment!

So I'm a tree-hugger...So What! LOL!

Today I signed up to participate in The Great Sunflower Project!

When you sign up they send you free sunflower seeds to plant in your garden! Thats step 1!

Then you tell them about your garden!

Lastly, observe your beautiful sunflowers on the date they specify or a sunny weekend and tell them how long it takes 5 bees to visit your sunflowers!

By doing this I am helping to pollinate our planet and giving scientists helpful data about these important pollinators!

If you have ever seen

Bee Movie you get a rough idea why pollination is so important!

If you would like to participate click the link to find out more!

Spring Treats!

2009-03-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to have a baking day with Miss Bella! I figured since easter was coming up we would whip up some spring themed treats!

First we made Peeps in a nest! They were Bella's favorite thing that we made today!

The nests were shredded wheat mixed with melted chocolate, and a peep placed on top!

So Cute!

Then we made a carrot cheesecake w/cream cheese icing and fondant carrots!

This was soooo yummy, but kind of weird!

It has all of the flavor of carrot cake, but its cheesecake!

So anyway...our baking day was a success!

Last Saturday!

2009-03-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday was sooo busy for us that I completely spaced Earth Hour which I really wanted to be a part of! At about 11:30PM that night I remembered that we were supposed to switch off the lights at 8:30PM!

I was so bummed! Oh well.

We had a pretty good day though! We woke up and got ready for the day. Then at about 2pm we were off to get the girls Easter pictures taken! OMG! Seriously the most stressful drawn out ordeal of my life!!!

We made an appointment at Olan Mills, and arrived right on time! Unfortunately for us, they were NOT on time! When we arrived they were in the middle of taking pictures of two little kids and then they had to photograph a family of 16 people! So we waited for like an hour before it was finally our turn. Grrr!

The lady asked me if I had any coupons or a package in mind, and I told her that I wanted the advertised Easter portrait package which was like $15. She then proceded to tell me that I needed a coupon from the front of the store which I would have to get one day prior to my appointment! What?! Thanks for NOT telling me that on the phone when I asked about it!Trying to keep my cool after waiting a whole hour just to hear that, I asked, "Well ok, What other packages do you have?" Apparently they don't have any packages under $80! Ridiculous!

So we went to Walmart instead! Aunt Theresa, if you're reading this...I'm sorry! We had to go to Walmart! ;o) LOL!

Finally at 5:oopm the girls were all done taking their pictures! I told you...Drawn out! I am happy to say that they took the cutest pictures EVER! I can't wait to get them back!

After all of that we went to dinner at Shogun's Japanese Grill! YAY! My favorite!

Then we went home to rest, or so I thought!

Turns out, Robby decided to throw me a big surprise birthday party! I was surprised! LOL! It was alot of fun! This was the reason that I missed Earth hour, but thats ok it was worth it!

Thanks Babe!!!

Unplugged Friday!

2009-03-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

On Friday I took on Kimba's Unplug Challenge! For our family that meant No TV & No Computer!

I use the computer frequently throughout the day! I check emails, myspace, update my blog, download things, search for fun ideas to do with the girls, etc.! What I didn't realize was that by doing those things I was wasting soooo much quality time and energy! Not to mention how much time is wasted in front of the TV after Robby gets home!

I went cold turkey on Friday, which was alot harder than I thought! I think that there is a sort of high I get when I have an unread message or comment! Its like Christmas! I can't wait to find out who its from, what they said, etc. It sounds silly but I seriously felt like an addict wanting to get my technological fix for the day!

Instead, I completely rearranged my priorities! Keep in mind there are alot of these things that I normally do everyday, but on Friday I made sure to take my time and give the important things my undivided attention! No Distractions!

I woke up early and made pancakes (Bella's favorite) and rice cereal with carrots for Lilly Bean! Then we got all showered and ready for the day! I found out later that day that Lilly is allergic to carrots just like Bella was when she was a baby. She got a rash just like Bella used to so no more carrots for a while! :o)

While Lilly napped and Bella cleaned her room ;o), I got to cleaning the house! I turned on some music to stay motivated which turned into Bella and I dancing like crazy in the living room! We got a little distracted but in a good way! Hey its exercise right?! So when I reached the point where my sides hurt and I couldn't breath, I turned off the music and got back to the house work!

Then came lunch time! We ate, and then Bella and I played "Pass the Pigs." We had a blast! She won and then it was nap time! No nap for me though! I got everything ready for dinner that night! We had steaks with a bacon/mushroom/A-1 sauce and twice baked mashed potato casserole!

When Robby got home he grilled the steaks on the BBQ, and then we all sat down together at the table...even Lilly! I was proud of us we rarely all sit together at dinner time anymore since Robby has been preparing to go to the field!

After dinner Bella wanted Daddy to play "Pass the Pigs." So we all played together...Daddy won! Then we cleaned up and got ready for bed! I have to say that it was so nice to get to bed at a decent hour instead of staying up late on the computer or watching late night TV!

So, by unplugging we had a great day together! Not only that but we conserved electricity which is always a plus! Robby even enjoyed not having the distractions, which surprised me since he loves to watch TV! Its kinda of sad how our technology can rob us of so much! We might do this once or twice a week! It was alot of fun!!!

Earth Hour!

2009-03-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 28th from 8:30-9:30PM is Earth Hour.

If you would like to be a part of this event go to the link above, or simply turn off your lights for one hour on Saturday!

Your light switch is your vote!

Watch the Vote Earth Video here or click the link above to learn more.

Our Earth is worth saving! Vote Earth!

The Pepperlings...Unplugged!

2009-03-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

On this Friday the 27th, I'm going unplugged! That means No Blogging, Myspace, Email, or Computer PERIOD!!! For our family that also means NO TV!!! NO DISTRACTIONS!
I too often find myself distracted from things that matter due to our extremely addictive technology!
So on Friday I'm getting my priorities in order and paying attention to things that matter most!!! I'll be blogging about what I did while I was unable to stare at my television or surf the net like a mindless zombie later!!! :o)
If you have been feeling the need to get things done or pay more attention to something other than your computer, TV, Blackberry,etc, then join me and take Kimba's Unplug Challenge!
Click the button above to learn more!

Gettin Crafty!!!

2009-03-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

In my boredom lately I have decided to start a few crafty projects!

I am soooo excited with how they turned out and I have like a zillion more ideas that I can't wait to start!

My first project was scrabble tile pendants! I didn't think this one up on my own but I designed these myself and they turned out great!

Crazy how they went from these...

...To these!

(Don't mind the blurry pics :o) )

My second project was a baby outfit worn by my beautiful model in the post below! LOL!

It was a hat, shirt, and shoes made completely out of one of Robby's old t-shirts.

Yay for recycling!!!

I just added some ribbon n elastic for the shoes, and...

Ta-Da!

It looks so cute on Lilly!!!