In with the new

This time of year is so...BLAH! Being in the hair biz I notice this time is when everybody is ready for change, whether it's from brown to blonde or from long to short. It's so gross and gloomy outside that we try to give just about anything a face lift. For me it's always my house. For the week I have put down my books (by the way, thanks for all the book referrals and yes... book club here I come) and started to organize and update. I started with my entry. I had this mirror that had hooks on it that I swear I bought at Shopko 9 years ago. Brooke of course would never tell me how ugly something is but I could tell she was rather pleased to see it go, she also said having a mirror by the door projects energy out. You learn something new everyday.


My new entry get-up.

Then onto the toy room. My girlie friend Suzie is such a crafty/creative person. She always has such awesome ideas. So I copied her, literally, right down to the laminated tags. And I have to say this has been the best project yet! My kids play, together (gasp), for hours in the toy room. They haven't played/used the toy room for probably 2 years!!! Brooke said.."duh, it had baby toys." I guess I am slow, but better late than never! My favorite is the closets. I know... weird. But Derek and his Dad put shelving in my closets and you'd think I added a bedroom! All the sudden I have space!!


I love my new craft table! Oh what $35 will get you! Dilly loves his net of lego's and Kasi loves her Lazy Susan with art supplies!


Brooke whipped me up some curtains and Derek put shelves and finished up the closet!


Because of my added space I was able to organize and rearrange my kitchen (all the kids arts and crafts were stored in there). I covered my shelves and bought some cute baskets. And hopefully I can call my pantry my food storage because there is no more room!


New shelving in basement closet! With the art supplies, you would have died if you saw the before picture.


Kitchen pantry with some dressed shelving.

Derek has time off this week so we have a couple for things to finish up. But I love to copy so- if you have any fantastic ideas for organization or just plain cute ideas, let me have 'em!

Readaholic

My name is Brittany, and I have a problem, I love to read!! My love is really starting to get on my families nerves. Dillon said to me the other night in bed while he was watching a movie and I was reading, "Mom, all you ever do is read!!" I replied, "What would you like me to be doing?" And he said "Watch TV." Um.... NO. I would honestly rather read a good book than watch TV. Though my friend told me he would rather stare at a blank wall than read, well, readings not for everyone:) I was lecturing Derek on how he really shouldn't buy 1-2 energy drinks a day because the cost really adds up, then he tapped his finger on my latest book (one of the 3 I bought that week) and I knew to shut up. My hobby costs more, I prefer not to put my name on lists to wait for books at the Library. These books I finished in 4 days:













The 3rd doesn't come out until August, I hate waiting. If your looking for a fun read, these will do the trick. Anywho, if you have a book you love, let me know!

I laid in bed this morning thinking "I should get up and clean". But instead I stayed in bed and read a good book. And then, I recieved this email from my mom, and I felt much better about my decision!

A house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' on the furniture.
Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must .......
But wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter,
bake cookies or a cake and lick the spoon or plant a seed,
ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time . . . .
With shrimp to eat, rivers to swim and mountains to climb,
music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.

Birthday, Christmas, more Birthdays!

Are you ready for this monster of a blog?

Kasi turned 9 in November. It was hard to shop for her this year, she's kind of out of the toy stage. For her birthday we took a couple friends to lunch, and then to get their toe nails painted. Kasi and her friends were darling, they gabbed and giggled at their own table and then sat all mature in the pedicure chair. I love the age Kasidee is at, aside from the emotional drama we encounter on an hourly basis, she is funny, caring and very fashion forward. She has also decided to pick up a hobby of eavesdropping, if only she could get the facts straight with the story she overhears-this talent is a work in progress:)



Then came CHRISTMAS. Oh Christmas, we have waited for you so long!! I felt like I had been shopping for years getting ready for the big show. This year we started a new tradition- a service advent calendar. My creative friend gave me the idea and it was a big hit. We sat down for FHE and wrote down all the kind things we would like to do for others. Many of the days were "Free service days" where we could pick our own act of service for the day. I loved that this month my kids really focused on service and hopefully can carry it into the new year.
Overall the kids were happy with their loot (zhu zhu pets and all).


The kids handmade me gifts.
They did for Derek as well...


>

Kasidee serenaded us Christmas Eve with some lovey Christmas music.



All the grand kids on Derek's side.


Ella and my gang rockin out to their new mp3's :)



My birthday, as usual, is the day after Christmas. I had the best birthday ever, thanks to my kids and mom!

Her I am finding my gifts. It's a tradition that we hide the kids gifts and play the "hot and cold" game to find them. This year the kids had me play!! The one gift under the tree was clearly not enough so Kasi and Dill set to work on making me some more and hiding them.

Seriously, ALL mothers should have a toilet paper roll telescope!

Besides the Santa being re gifted, I made out with many priceless items:)

Last but definitely not least. My Dilly! He had some grand ol' plans for his birthday. And I think his imagination played out well with our party plans. We had his party at the church because we needed LOTS of room! It was a SPY birthday- we made passports, got fingerprinted, had an obstacle course (guns and all), a driving range to practice fast getaways, and a scavenger hunt to find the bomb. It was a lot of work but more fun! And what did he ask for?
PICKLES!

His name suits him well.

Dillon is my man. He is quick witted and super smart! The things that come out of his mouth SHOCK and AMAZE me! He still loves to snuggle and is a definite boy-loves his weapons, action figures, scary movies and bodily noises. Dillon is a mini Derek from quoting and memorizing movie lines, their temperament, to facial expressions. What a stud.

I am Thankful

I guess things have been a little crazy around my house. Alot has been going on- good and bad. Just like everyone else, I'm sure. Yesterday was my baby Cade's birthday, he would have been 4! I love him so much, and miss him even more. We (I) decided that we would plant white tulips so that when they come up every year in the spring we can think of him and be happy!
This is hard. I keep thinking every year will get easier. But it is sad that I have had 4 years without him.
I miss my babies. How much we take for granted those wonderful nine months of a miracle inside our tummies. And when they come and they are this little bundle of warmth and love. I know I have two healthy children. Many don't get that opportunity. But because I have had it- I miss it.
Anywho, enough of my pity party. I skipped Halloween and decided I had better show my family off!
Dillon was Indiana Jones, Kasi was a mummy, and Derek was Brett Michaels


I always have my family over for Halloween and I had to show off the dessert my mom made. Seriuosly. With her and Brooke around everything is always spectacular!

Marley turned a year old!! She is such a good dog!! I may not let her lick my face, but I love her. And I love that my kids have dog- and that she is protective of them, and they love her. Wow- thats alot of love!




To make a long blog short- I am THANKFUL.

October was a hard month for our family. Of course we all have our own ways of handling the trials we go through- Dustin's friend passed away from a seriuos car accident. Mike was in the car with a girl friend of his who was in a coma until the day Mike died. I am not sure exactly the extent of her injuries, but she has a very long road of recovery ahead of her. So my amazing brother and his friend have put together this awesome benefit in Mike's name.
The 21st is Cade's birthday and I can't think of a better way I'd like to spend that night than doing something kind for someone else!
And 'tis the season, right. We are always trying to think of a service or something we can do for someone else- well this is it!! Please come and support such a great cause! This is going to be one fun event!! (plus- Dustin and his friends are very easy on the eyes :) )

Piano Recital

Last night was Kasidee's first piano recital. She has been playing for just under a year and has learned so much! We love her piano teacher and the time and love she shows Kasi. I remembered being so NERVOUS to preform in front of everybody, but Kasi seemed pretty confident. She's alot better at many things already than I ever was!

It was a Halloween recital, so all the kids dressed up. This year she wanted to be scary (it's true, one day they grow out of the "princess" phase). I still think she's a "cute" mummy!



She learned 2 songs for the recital. This one is called Happy Feet.



This one is Messages from Outer Space.

Octoberfest

It's that time of year again! And a very successful Octoberfest it was! The menu was: Bratwurst, shrimp, purple potatoes, garden carrots, fruit, and apple crisp for dessert. We live for good food and new recipes at our house. My mom is so cute to start new personal family traditions, we sit under the big tree and enjoy the leaves and the cool weather in the fall. I just love spending time with my family, we laugh and play football, and the kids climb moms trees.






Mandi serenaded us while Ella danced, and danced, and danced. Never a dull moment!


Easy and YUMMY apple crisp.

Tricks and Treats

I walked into Dillon's room today and got FREAKED out!! On Saturday he told me he was going outside to look for bugs, and was super excited when he found a grasshopper! I didn't think Dill had the guts to actually catch one (usually Kasi runs the bug catching business) when to my surprise he had found one and had decided to have it be his very own pet (running free) in his bedroom. When I screamed as it jump attacked me, Dill came running in and said , "Hey buddy I wondered where you were."




(Dillon and his pet)

Funny Little Girl

Preschool:


Kindergarten:


1st Grade:


2nd grade:


I can't believe my Kasi Bug is a THIRD GRADER! Time goes by so fast, and I take it for granted. I love this girl so much, she brings so much to our home- drama, fun girly stuff, attitude, humor, and love.

3rd Grade:

Gone Fishin'

Kas and Dill have found a love for fishing! It's in our blood. Some of my favorite memories are fishing and camping with my family and friends. Dustin had been promising to take them, so we loaded up and head to Silver Lake. My Dad and Dustin were the the only ones to reel them in but Kasi and Dill enjoyed the teamwork:).

Cousin Sleepover 2009

We combined boys and girls this year and had a Drive-In. We made cars, had a concession stand and watched a movie. The weather didn't cooperate so we had to watch it in the garage-HOT! But I think other than; that we had a blast!

Work with a Payoff!

Summer did finally arrive at our house- if you wonder where we are- we're at the pool. While the kids play in the water, I enjoy the sun while reading a good book. But at night when it cools down a bit we are enjoying our new patio and fire pit! Derek is the man! Endless days and nights he slaved in the backyard ripping up sod and using it to cover weeded flower beds, then prepping and putting down a very beautiful patio! He is also quite the gardener- he built me these awesome garden beds! It has been so nice to sit outside and eat in our backyard. Derek is such a talented, hard worker and it paid off for the whole family to enjoy! And of course I need to give a shout out to Mitch for the very cool gas fire pit he helped us with! We can make smores without having to shower off the smoke smell!














And finally our first harvest- ZUCCHINI! Here are two recipes we enjoy making, if you have any send them to me because these zucchini start producing faster than we know what to do with them! Or stop by and we are more than happy to share!



Zucchini Bread
INGREDIENTS
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups white sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
2 cups chocolate chips (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

Or make it your own and add raspberries instead of chocolate chips with some lemon zest for a more summery taste!

Fried Zucchini
INGREDIENTS
3 zucchini
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
Wash and dry the zucchini. Trim off ends, then slice zucchini into 1/8 inch thick rounds. Place cornmeal in a medium bowl, and toss in zucchini slices, mixing thoroughly to coat.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place all of the zucchini pieces into the hot oil and fry over medium heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Watch zucchini closely, adding more oil if it begins to brown too quickly. When it is golden brown on one side, flip it over to brown on other side. It will clump together as it cooks, that is what you want.
When zucchini is evenly browned, turn heat down to low and cover pan with a lid. Allow it to steam until zucchini is slightly tender. Turn zucchini, replace lid, and steam until soft. Remove lid and turn heat back up to medium-high. Fry on both sides until crisp. Serve hot.

We love to sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake till melted then pour spaghettie sauce over- it's so good and the kids LOVE them!