How cool is this?

Ok, I'm already 40, but saw a fun post on Organizing Junkie's site that she had an ugly dress party to celebrate. That, in itself, seems so fun...too bad I've passed that milestone. But I fell in love with these decorations. Fell.In.Love.



You can find lovely instructions here. Instead of hanging them, she had them laid on the counters and such. It makes me want to have a party...or maybe just hang them around the house and pretend we'll have a party. Then have some Pink Lemonade cupcakes for dessert.

Sabrina's birthday is coming up next week. This isn't the year for a big party (she'll get one next year when she turns 16). But how fun would it be for her to wake up to her room decorated with pom poms and have cupcakes for breakfast? I'll let you know how it goes.

Drool-worthy...

I know I'm behind...again...

I've been enjoying a fun and relaxing summer...mostly without the pressures of kids' schoolwork...so much so, that I've been taking weekly outings with the kids and sitting by the pool every Friday...yes, EVERY Friday. All part of my master plan to keep my tan into September. More info and pictures to come...from March...I know. Forgive.

BUT! I have been trying to catch up on favorite blogs, and you know that thing called the web? It's called that for a reason...one yummy food blog linked to another yummy food blog...and soon you find yourself sitting on the couch, catching up on summer TV, and literally drooling on your keyboard. So, I thought I would share some links to my favorites and new finds...so you can drool too!

Favorite Family Recipes
I combed this site pulling all sorts of yummy options. I have tried and tested several recipes...spot on! They are fabulous! I love her pictures for each recipe and the fact that she lived in Hawaii and has several local favorites...She is diligent in creating accurate copy-cats of some of my favorite restaurant meals. How about German Chocolate Oreos or Cafe Rio's Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette? You won't be disappointed.

Bakergirl
New favorite! She has a sweet tooth that I can relate to, and her yummy photography is worth drooling over. I've pulled 5 recipes today to try...Real.Soon. Like Birthday Cake Popcorn and Chewy No-Bake Cookies & Cream Treats.

Foodgawker
Love this site! They comb for unique and tasty dishes...I mean who wouldn't want to try Neapolitan Cake in a Jar? Or Blueberry Crumb Pie Milkshake? I mean, drool, right? The hardest part may be deciding what to try first.

A Farmgirl's Dabbles
Delish! I love the visuals of Hatti's Strawberry Chiller and the Mushroom & Cheddar Sliders with Chipotle Ketchup. What a combination that would be...drool...

Janiel Miller Food
I love this lady! She has a great, fun blog, and this is an off-shoot of her regular blog. I love her commentary, as entertaining as the recipes are delicious! I mean look at this title for a blog post: Lazy Lasagna. Seriously. No. I Mean It. And who wouldn't love anyone with a beautiful red couch on their header?


Kevin & Amanda's Recipes
I found this blog from a scrapbooking blog, and was intrigued by the step-by-step instructions, complete with photos, so simple I think my teen could follow along and create a perfect dish! Just check out the Mini Lasagna Cups!

So, if you find that it's too hot outside...spend the day inside you'll be all wet and cool from the drooooool by the time you're done. Nice added bonus...all of the delicious photos are completely calorie free!

A Mom's Job is Never Done

I hope all of my fellow-moms out there had a great day yesterday. And, even if you're not a mom, yet. Just being a woman gives us a nurturing nature that means we can be an example and a teacher to any child. I have a beautiful friend that is a fabulous person and the best Kindergarten teacher, but doesn't have any children of her own. She's touched many lives already, and all without having to go through 36 hours of labor! ha ha

So, I won't tell you all how old I am. I will tell you it's older than I look. And old enough to know better. But, this week I did a bad thing. I did a childish thing. And my mom called me on it. That's what moms do. They don't care if you're 4 or 40, you're still their child, and they still teach you.

I love my mom. She made it look so easy. (Why is that always the case?) She stayed home with us until around my Jr. year in high school. She cleaned the house and had the floors done by 10am every day. She taught us responsibility and independence (sometimes to her chagrin, I think, ha ha), and taught us that the church was true. Bumpy roads notwithstanding, I think it's a testament that all 4 of her children are active in the church. And, I truly appreciate the sacrifices she made for us as I make them for my own children.

When I was married, to my military man, I think I broke her heart. Being a mother was her life. I was the oldest, first one to leave home, and about to move across an ocean and start a new life, and I don't think I took into account how deeply she felt that. 17 years, 3 kids, and 5 moves later, I really understand how much you miss your children when they aren't there. I've missed my family all these years, and I didn't even give birth to any of them.

There's been times when I was jealous that all of my brothers were in proximity, traveling to my dad's for holidays and getting together for family occasions. But I made a choice, and that choice has given me the chance to experience wonderful things, but it's also meant I had to give up other wonderful things.

But, in all, it's made me grow and appreciate what is truly important in life. To appreciate the gospel, that it's the same no matter what country I'm in, or on what island I live. To be grateful for the visits we do get, and the phone calls that help us keep in touch. I love that I can call my mom for that recipe I can't find, or ask what to do with my hair, or how to not lock my teen in her room until she's 30.

Which brings me back to my initial point. A mom's job is NEVER done. You don't kiss them on their wedding day and say goodbye. We are responsible to raise these children to be responsible adults, good communicaters, and loving human beings, and then continue the cycle with their own children. She did that for me. She taught me to stand on my own, but keep coming back for more. And for that, I'm forever grateful, that she continues to be there for me...to tell me when I've screwed up, then turn around and tell me she loves me anyway. Just like our Heavenly Father. Love you, mom!