Cupcake Pops!

My mom came down to Utah last week for Education Week. It was delightful. Whenever she is here, I seriously get lazy. I think I subconsciously let my mind take a break from any serious housework or cooking because I know mom is there to pick up my shameful slacking. We had a great time. She helped me make 24 jars of raspberry jam, along with 10 cartons of freezer jam. Then, we made cupcake pops. Okay, I know that cupcake pops are so "last season" but I couldn't resist making some for a little Church Primary Thank-You Social. I don't think I would've been this brave without my mom helping. They turned out okay, I have a few things I would do differently next time for sure. Here is the link on Bakerella's website for the tutorial.

News Flash

Apparently, Alligators are now laying cantaloupes.


Source: Ian Smith

My Symphony

The following is my new favorite quote that I stole from my friend's (Hadley's) blog. Since blogging is really my only form of journal keeping and I NEVER, EVER want to forget this quote, I had to share it with the rest of you. It just feels right and good when I read it . . .

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely; await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common: this is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing

Pillowcase Dress

So, I have been sewing up a storm lately, thanks to my friend and neighbor, Sally. She has been helping me with some great projects. How about this Halloween pillowcase dress for Meggie? It took 45 minutes, and really, it is much cuter than the picture looks. The funny thing is, the first time I put it on, Meg said, "I look like Uncle Nate in this dress!" Hmmmm . . . does Uncle Nate wear dresses?? I haven't seen him in a dress since I put him in one when I was 5 and he was 3 (I did his makeup and hair and everything). Anyway, we have been laughing about that little comment of Meggie's ever since.

Pillowcase dresses are a cinch! Here are some directions and here are some more. They are slightly different from the one I made which has a little ruffle top and elastic around the chest. These are adorable in the summer without a shirt under them, and totally cute in the winter with a long sleeve shirt. They sell on Etsy for bunches of money (way more than what it would cost for you to make them yourself).

Pardon the "owie" on Meggie's forehead!

My first attempt at applique with the word "candy". It was surprisingly simple to do!

Note to self: get a better camera, or take classes, or both.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

You have GOT to make these. They have become a staple at my home. My kids (who are on their way to receiving the "world's pickiest eater" awards) fight over the last one when I make them. My sweet friend Emily is the one who told me to do this. "Um, yeah, sure, whatever Em" was my response. I will admit, however, that I am a big roasted veggie lover and not a picky eater in the least. So if you don't like veggies and are a picky eater, don't eat these. If you love veggies and are up for a little adventure, make these tonight!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Rinse sprouts, place on cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle coarse salt and pepper. Roast at 425 degrees for 15 minutes (or so). Stir every few minutes. Pick up at the base and pop it off into your mouth (without eating the base). Oh, yum!

First Annual Smith Family Camping Trip

We decided to take a stab at camping. Well, kind of. We only went 11 minutes up the canyon from our house. And only for one night. And there was flushing toilets. And running water. And . . . well you get the idea.

We took a 2 mile hike up to Cecret lake in the Albion Basin. Ian made it the whole way with no complaining. He must take after his dad. Such the trooper.
We (kind of) saw a moose. It was far away and sitting down. So we really only saw its massive antlers.



Ian roasted and burned approximately 52 marshmellows. Little boys (and big boys, for that matter) just love to play with fire. I was having visions of Ian at Scout camp in the future. As you can see above, um . . . whoops. . . . a little mess up with the T.P.


Isn't he just yummy???

We took a ride on the tram at Snowbird to the top of the mountain. All in all, an amazing trip!! We are already planning our next camping adventure. Anyone want to join us?

The Leapin' Lizards

I'm not a soccer mom. I'm a golf, football, basketball kind of mom. But when my son's little buddies are all going to be on the same soccer team, I can't resist! Ian was such a champ. He would run, and run, and run. And then he'd talk to the cute little blonde on the other team, and then he'd run and sweat and talk and run some more. In his words, they won the first game by "Fifteen-Eighty". The next game was "Eleventeen to seven". He had a blast! He felt so important. He'd run over to me on the sidelines just dripping with sweat and grab a swig of water as quick as he could and then get back on the field. He even got a trophy, and as we all know, a trophy is the biggest deal of all! Way to go, Leapin' Lizards!

I love this pictures . . . action shot!