Happy {2011} New Year!

2010 ends in mear hours! 2011 is obviously just around the corner and I'm always so glad to start a new year. I might be a a small few that actually had a good 2010. Back in November I did 30 posts of what I was thankful for, so go check it out and you can see a few reasons why it was so good.
Don't get me wrong I had some moments that sucked but I'm moving on and focusing on the people that matter most to me.
I hope everyone has a wonderful night celebrating tonight. Be safe and have so much fun!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Deal ALERT!

Are you one that likes Free Samples? It's kind of a pain to enter in your name, address, and email address over and over again, but sometimes the free samples are worth it.
I usually get samples of new products that I am not sure the boys and I will like. I have gotten quite a few that are really good. The other day I got a Jergen's night repair lotion with a nice primrose smell. I cannot wait to get a coupon for it. I love it!
Here is a site that lists all the free samples, kids eat free, BOGO deals. I have gone to it a few times.
http://www.heyitsfree.net/
Friday Freebies (not sure the website, I just google it every time).

For the mom's out there with babies in Diapers, if you are not shopping at diapers.com you are missing out! They run several specials a month! Diapers.com also has paper coupons in Parent Magazine.
Also become a member of Pampers. Pampers does a points system from what I've done a quick read on. Get enough points and get free diapers?
Join enfamil.com They email you $5off coupons for formula.  They also send toy appropriate suggestions and much more.
You can also get cheap and sometimes free diapers if you clip coupons and match them up with Rite Aid, CVS, or Walgreen's. (usually Huggies, sometimes Pampers).

Savings Tracker 2011

Some of you may know that I am such a frugal person, living on a budget! I belong to several blogging sites that tell me when to use my coupons. Yes, I clip coupons and a lot of them! The only thing I don't do is keep track of my savings after I look at the receipts. I also don't have a good coupon organizer, still working on getting a good one together.
I did find this today if you are interested in tracking your savings. I downloaded the FREE excel template. It's complete with a full year calendar and how to get started tips.
Let me know if you download this!

Under the Overpass

Under the Overpass is about two christian, college men who give up everything to live homeless in 6 different cities around the U.S. Very few people know that Mike and Sam are coming from a fine living to scum of the earth as an experiment. They supply themselves with a sleeping bag, guitar and backpack. These men go through a lot during there months on the street. They go without food, showers, money and more. So much more we can not even imagine! They get dirty looks, kicked out of places and treated poorly and not once do they give up on there religion. They pray constantly and become friends with almost everyone they run into. I found this book to be one of the best I've read in a long time. The book really captures what was important during there journey..GOD! These men are very brave to do what they did and it's very inspirational. I kept thinking while reading this, that this should be a book churches should give to youth groups. This will change the way people think and open a lot of eyes. I highly recommend people to read this book.
1st Chapter download

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Merry Christmas!

It's that time again! Wake up early and run downstairs to check all the presents Santa left under the tree! The screams, smiles and laughter coming from my boys never gets old. I checked to see if we were going to have a white Christmas and we were blessed with a warm and sunny 50 degree day...Just beautiful!

This is probably the one and only time I can tell this story. I was up at 7am as usual, I came downstairs to find...no kids awake! I started coffee and breakfast. The husband came down shortly after me.....still no kids. 7:45 finally D comes down and is so excited but I tell him we need to wait until T wakes up to do our stockings. He checked out 'Santa' gifts and made sure the milk had been drunk and the cookies had been eaten. I held him off until 8am and he begged to wake up T. T came down very sleepy and not so happy he was woken up. I couldn't help but laugh a 7 year old who can WAIT to open gifts. At this time breakfast was done, we ate our traditional scrambled eggs, and cinnamon rolls (yes, store bought, I forgot to do the homemade dough). I even finished coffee, checked facebook and cleaned the kitchen. I was waiting by the tree for the kids to come open gifts.
D was very happy with his large amount of toys. I think he was more spoiled this year than T. T got less gifts due to not being into 'toys' and that his 1 major gift was a GC to the Apple store to get his Ipod Touch.
Rog got his 8gb Ipod Touch, Pampered Chef Gravy Separator and an herb keeper. He was very happy, he got everything he asked for.
I got a pair of Under Armour training pants, a UA gift card and a grey pea coat. All which I will be exchanging. He says he couldn't find the exact pant, sweatshirt and coat I put on my list, but he tried and that's what counts.
We also got very blessed with money from the rents! We went to the in-laws and the boys got lots of outdoor toys, including an electric scooter!
With a few hiccups here and there, we are now all settled in our pj's, full tummy's, toys and directions to be read before bed.
Until next year!

Christmas List

I hardly make a Christmas wish list. For a few reasons really but mostly cause no one ever gets me anything from it! Last year I had to actually drive my husband to the mall to buy me UGGS, he knew if he got me anything but that I would kill him.
This year I made a small but simple list of things:
1. Grey pea coat
2. UA Pants and sweatshirt
3. Running shoes
4. KitchenAid mixer...(I wanted it so bad I bought it myself)
5. Coach purse

We were at the mall the other day and I pysically pulled him into coach and set 3 bags on the table and said any of these 3 are fine, do not deter from this no matter what the sales people tell you! We will see what I get. Of course I didn't pick anything cheap so I will be happy with any of it, I don't expect all of it. In due time I will work hard enough to save for some on my own.

Today though I think I would have to add these two to my list:

Merry Christmas!

Winter Break 2010

We are on day 4 of something like 16 days off school. Since I have the boys I've been absent on the blog, sorry. I have had a few quiet moments and I spending them doing chores, baking, and reading! I think I've got like 3 books going right now.
The boys have had so much fun. They got to have a sleepover at the grandparents house and from what I hear it was a blast. They got 3 huge cinnamon rolls for breakfast, cookies and taken out to dinner. Roger and I spent out time without the kids playing games with our friends Saturday night. Sunday we went to our favorite wing place for beer, wings and the Bronco's game. It was a great mini date, we needed it. We skipped our anniversary last month and haven't been out alone since last November I'm sure.
Monday we took the boys and T's friend to Skate City for a few hours. It was so fun watching them skate. Brad won the light game, that was pretty exciting for them. T went to have a sleepover last night and came home at midnight with a migraine. We were up for a while with him screaming, crying and throwing up. My poor baby!
Today we all went on a family outing to the bowling alley. D won the 1'st game by a few points, he wasn't humble by any means. I won the second game by at least 10 points. I was happy cause I sucked bad today. I got a few gutters! On our way out we noticed they had laser tag and none of us had ever played so we went for it! It was so much fun. We were all on the same team and we worked well with each other. Rog got in the top 5 players and I was just under him. The boys loved it, something we will probably do again before break is over.
We still have to go swimming, play dates with school friends, of course the holiday celebrations with the family and a few parties to attend. We are slightly fighting colds but we are not letting it slow us down. I have a few projects I'm working on and pictures to post as soon as I can.
Happy Holiday's!

Christmas Jars

My friend, neighbor and fellow blogger over at At Altitude let me barrow Christmas Jars by Jason Wright. I went into the book not having a clue what it was about. It's about a young girl who is an aspiring journalist who is being raised by an adoptive mother. Hope takes on a project that she lies about and ends up creating a friendship with this family. Hope learns there secret, can she keep this secret?  I cannot say much more without ruining the book. I have to say this is one book that had you surprised at every chapter, I smiled and I cried while reading this book. It was truly amazing and it will change the way you think about a lot of things! Maybe you will even create your own Christmas tradition.
I highly recommend this book!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Confessions of a Shopaholic  is pretty self explanatory but it's about a girl who loves to buy clothes, and accessories galore. She hates her job but can't quit cause she's in such debt. Not much else to the book. I thought I would hate this book but it turns out it was pretty good. I love to shop and at one time in my life didn't care how much stuff costs.  Never to her extreme did I shop but I wish I could! The ending was the best part of the entire book. I thought this was a fast, easy read. I do plan on reading the other shopaholic books. I really don't have much else to say about it. This will appeal to some audiences but I don't think many. I don't think the movie will be as good as the book, but I will find out.

Homemade Christmas Wreath

Every year I want a new Christmas Wreath for my front door and my front windows, but I refuse to pay the prices! I mean really a fake wreath is $20+ that's way out of my budget. So being frugal I decided I'd take a stab at making my own!
First start with a plain ol' wreath. I got this one with an ugly bow on it at Goodwill .99, I cut the bow off.

 Went next door to Dollar Tree and got a bird gathering with snow capped pine cones and a bunch of white Lillie's. I also picked out a nice silver ribbon.

 I warmed up my blue gun and hot glued the bird gathering on first then attached a couple of the flowers to the sides. I then put on the silver ribbon.

I then hung it on my front door and took tons of pictures trying to get the right shot while it's 19 degrees and barefoot outside. I'm sure my neighbors thought I was a freak! But I don't care cause I'm happy with my $4 wreath! Yes in all I estimate I spend no more than $4 and I still have flowers left over for another wreath. By the end of the year I am going to make 2 matching wreaths for my front windows.

Try 2 with Royal Icing

I ran out of powdered sugar in the middle of making my second batch of Royal Icing. I even went and bought the Meringue powder. It didn't turn out the way I wanted so I let the boys decorate when I was done.

I will be trying here again with the royal icing and Christmas cookies. I am determined to figure it out. I see so many pictures of other cookies and they look fantastic!

The Runners Rule Book

I was walking through an isle in the library last week and ran across this book:

As most of you know I pick books by the cover! So I grabbed it mostly because I had endured severe Shin splints over Thanksgiving..A very long couple weeks of pain, not running and recovery. I thought that this book would give me a little insight on how to improve my posture or foot movements to become a better runner. I was way off!
This book was actually pretty funny! It had a few helpful hints for the everyday runner but it really was geared towards people who are running marathons/races.  I am so not close to running a marathon! I'm still trying to beat my time doing 5k's! I do know that while I run to blow my nose and fart! One thing is the author a multiple marathoner states that you shouldn't run with music....I would die without my music, I run 10 times better with great music. I was even thinking on the treadmill the other morning that I was going to make a running track on my ipod to make me run faster!
Anyway if anyone reading this blog is a serious runner, trying to run a marathon I do recommend the book.

Sunday's at Tiffany's...The Movie

Just over 1 year ago I started a book club. Our first book was Sunday's at Tiffany's. I picked that book because of the cover (I do that a lot) and because I heard James Patterson was a great author. This is like 1 of 3 or so that are not a murder mystery.
Sunday's at Tiffany's the Movie was filmed in 2010 starring Alyssa Malano who I love and Eric Winter who's HOT!

Sunday's at Tiffany's is about a young girl who has an imaginary friend Michael. At the age of 10 the rules state that all imaginary friends have to leave. They are told that they will never be remembered, so no pain will be endured by either. Wrong in this case Alyssa Malano (the young girl) remembers Michael and is heart broken.  As the character grows up, Michael reappears! This is all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil anything.

I enjoyed the book and the movie, I even cried at both. I have to say the book was better than the movie. The movie really left out some good parts like them eating ice cream at the hotel and that was a huge part of the ending. They captured the meeting up again as adults differently. I didn't like that either. I had forgotten the ending of the book so it was a nice surprise at the end. I don't read much love/romance novels or books but this was very nice and a very easy read.

What did you think of the movie or the book?

**This has been my highest viewed post, what makes people google Sunday's at Tiffany's?

What are you looking for? I'd love to hear what your thoughts are!

Expand your Icing

Here is how you can expand your icing to actually cover an entire cake! I usually buy Betty Crocker icing, place entire jar into your mixer. Place on slow to medium speed and whip for about 5 minutes. Your icing will now be thinner and almost double in size. Try and use right away. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Homemade Beignets

I had my first Beignet a couple years ago in New Orleans at  Cafe Du Monde I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I smelled just an aroma of deliciousness and coffee. As a Small plate piled high arrives at our table, the boys and are in Awe! The first bite is like heaven. I could of eaten them all day everyday of our trip.
 I wished I had bought some of there mix while I was there because over the last couple years it would be nice to enjoy a nice Beignet at home with the delicious latte.
Since a nice Nola beignet isn't just a hop skip and jump away I had to think of an alternative...Make my own! I really wanted them to turn out for not only my sake but my husbands.

I hit a home run on my first try! I couldn't believe how well they turned out, my husband was so proud of me. So whenever I'm craving a NOLA Beignet I'll just head to the kitchen!
For all my Denver friends I hear that Nonna's Cafe in Littleton is now selling Beignets.

Beignets
Recipe here. I am glad you all are excited to try my recipe. If you plan on blogging about this on your blog please link me to it. Please make sure you give credit where credit is due :)
Enjoy!
xoxo
-N

December?

OK, it's already December 7th and we still haven't seen snow. Well a dusting but that's it. Seattle has seen more snow then us. I'm so nervous we haven't gotten snow yet cause I feel like we are just going to get dumped on in a few weeks and we will be snowed in for days.

Homemade Donuts

I have finally started getting better ideas on my cooking and baking lately, so the first one I have ready to share is the Doughnuts!
I knew this would be a good start with the boys.

These were fun to make but I need to adjust the recipe. I also need to come up with some kind of glaze and toppings to go with these doughnuts. I used cinnamon/sugar mix for a few and powdered sugar on some as well. My boys thought this was so awesome!
Anyone have a good doughnut glaze or topping they would like to share?

xoxo
-N
I'll post the recipe very soon!

Fleur De Lis bucket

My new kitchen decor! I just love Fleur De Lis anything, if it wasn't so hard to find and expensive I would own more of it! But I found this one 50% off at Hobby Lobby last week.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

I went out on a limb last weekend with a new recipe. Some of you may have read I just love black beans, so I thought this would be perfect for me! I cannot remember which book I got it from but it turned out good.

                                                              Spicy Black Bean Soup:

                                                              1/2" thick piece of ham

                                                                1 tbs Vegetable oil

                                                        1 small red onion finely chopped

                                                        1 Jalapeno Chile finely chopped

                                                              4 Garlic Cloves minced

                                                             1/2 tsp Ground Cumin

                                                             1/2 tsp Dried Oregano

                                                 3 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

      (I actually purchased dried black beans and soaked and cooked them for a few days)

                                                        4 cups water (add more if needed)

                                                  1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro-garnish

In Large pot, cook ham over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Transfer to a cutting board. Reduce to medium and add oil, cook onion, stir frequently until brown. Add Jalapenos, garlic, cumin and oregano, cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add beans and water: simmer 10 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in cilantro. Puree mixture until smooth. Add more water to thin soup.
To Serve: ladle into bowl, cut ham sprinkle over soup. Optional to add more jalapenos, cilantro and sour cream.

I used my crock pot and cooked the soup on low for 10 hours.

Soup can refrigerate up to 3 days.

Do you have a favorite soup recipe to share?

Family Holiday Card!

I got my 50 free holiday cards from shutterfly for blogging about them! Here is a peak at our 1st ever holiday card!

Elegant Snowflake Holiday Card

Shop hundreds of holiday photo cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

DAY 30! I'm thankful for....

Finishing something everyday for 30 days! Why can't I do that with other things?
Like:
1. Workout (although I'm pretty balls to the wall and sore everyday, this would be a huge challenge)
2. Give up Desserts
3. Not swear
4. Give up chips...oh dear the list can go on..Eat Healthy
5. Do my hair
6. No wearing workout clothes as an outfit during the day
7. Not have road rage (Dawnette you know this would be hard!)
OH dear, it's to late for all this thinking. I'm just thankful that I finished something special on my blog.

I'm also thankful for all my blog readers! I know my mom is the one that leaves the most comments and I'm thankful for that, but I do know there are quite a few that check in consistently even though you are not marked as a follower or leave comments. So thank you for stopping by.

xoxo
-N

Day 29, I'm thankful for blogs

I am just so addicted to blogs lately! I have run across so many blogs lately that just inspire me to:
1. Be creative and artistic
2. Be a better photographer
3. Decorate better
4. Cook more exotic foods
5. Bake better desserts
6. Try things out of my element
7. Try shopping at a goodwill store
8. Get things for really cheap even free
9. Have a plan
10. Have fun with my blog!

The bad thing about finding all these wonderful blogs:
1. I cannot get off the computer!!

From my last post I don't watch much TV but let me tell you it has gone down even more this week because I sat and read blogs for several hours the other day when it was freezing outside!
I do hope to spruce up my blog and get more followers!
Today I am thankful for my blog an outlet to vent, share and have fun, and other blogs!

Anyone read an amazing blog they want to share?

Day 28, I'm thankful for teachers

Today I am thankful for teachers. You don't get paid much but you are so dedicated to every child you get each year. I don't know how you do it, I can barely handle homework each night with my 2 children let alone 28 children!
The two teachers my children have at school this year are super amazing, and I'm so grateful for them. I am so proud of my decision to move my kids from public school to a charter school. Even though it's incredibly rigorous, my kids will thank me later.
Today I am thankful for all teachers. Keep up the good work!

Leslie Nielson Dies

Just a few minutes ago I read that the beloved funny guy Leslie Nielson, from the movies Airplane and Naked gun movie dies at age 84. He suffered from Pneumonia for weeks that just kept getting worse.
Read full story  here. Good to know he didn't seem to suffer, that he went to sleep and passed. I hope to find out a bit more later.
What was your favorite Leslie Nielson movie?

Day 27, I'm thankful I'm a good person

We are almost to the end of our month of Thankfulness! I honestly didn't think I could come up with 30 things to be thankful for. But I just feel so blessed, so many people take small things for granted. To change things up a bit I want to be thankful for something about me. Today I am thankful I am a nice person. I am nice to everyone (until you piss me off), I'm very forgiving, I volunteer for causes I believe in and at the schools, I will help a person in need, I am honest, I'm a good listener, I take care of my friends and family. I try and think of others before myself. I do feel like I am a nice person or I guess I wouldn't have any friends right!

Day 26, I'm thankful for camp fires

I'm thankful for the wonderful conversations Camp fires bring. If it weren't for camp fires we wouldn't have smores and I love a good smore. I think it a great entertainment for kids and it's so yummy. Camp fires are also great for keeping you warm on that cool crisp night and making you want to relax.

Day 25, I'm thankful for Free festivals and Events

Denver has the most amazing free festivals and events that we attend all the time throughout the year. Some we go to every year for the past few years.
We just love The Taste of Colorado, and People Fair. We have been to Blues and Brews once and it was a blast along with St. Patrick's Day Parade and Holiday Parades.
Our city Highlands Ranch also throws some great kids events for the holiday's as well that we enjoy. Being on a budget these allow us to still have fun!
I'm thankful for Free events!

Day 24, Thankful..{Happy Thanksgiving}

Happy Thanksgiving family and friends! Most of my family and friends live in Seattle so I don't get to see them on this blessed day but I will be thinking of them. I will most likely send out a text message to them all too like usual.
Today I am thankful for this day. We have the Pilgrims and Indians to thank. I am not a huge fan of the meal but I love that it's a tradition. I am all about traditions.
My usual Thanksgiving tradition is as follows:
*Turkey Trot in Wash Park, it's a 4 mile run in Denver's most beloved park. Kind of like Green Lake to Seattle.
* Clean myself up
* Enjoy Mimosa's, bloody Mary's or wine with light Appetizers
* Watch football, and parades
* Eat with family
  *Turkey and sometimes Ham
  *Mashed Potatoes (my famous version)
  *Green Bean Casserole
  *Candied Yams
  *Jalapeno cornbread (southern style)
  *southern style stuffing is made but I don't eat it
*Sit on couch
*Eat pumpkin pie
*Drive home and hop into bed!
We will see how today's traditions play out for I have had an injury to my legs that have put me out of running for 2 weeks. Which I am not thankful for :(
Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving day!

Day 23, I'm thankful for fulfilling a dream

I am grateful that I had the support of my husband to let me fulfill a dream of mine. To climb a 14er and stand on top of a mountain.  A short few months ago my friend Lisa and I climbed Mt. Bierstadt  at 14,200 feet. The feeling of almost giving up while, huffing and puffing, sweating, swearing, almost crying in pain, to finally reach the top of a mountain. To stand on top of a summit and look all around you at the most beautiful world, that you can only see if you get to it on foot! I cannot wait to do it again!

Day 22, I'm thankful for Money $$

Today as I browse my computer for Black Friday ads, I see all the toys my kids would love to have. Toys have gotten so expensive over the last couple years. Video games are $50! I still have no idea what to get them after looking at a million toys online.
I really do wish money grew on trees, life would be so much easier.
My husband works very hard for our money, and to do my part I am pretty frugal. But today I am thankful we do have money.

Shutterfly Holiday Cards

I have been asked by Shutterfly to blog about my favorite Shutterfly product. Shutterfly is an online photo print store. Shutterfly offers more then just picture development though, you can get cards, mugs, mouse pads, calendars and more and personalize it with your pictures! It's fast simple and inexpensive. Then it's shipped to you. How easy is that?!  Shutterfly is always running an amazing deal!
I thought picking out my favorite product would be easy, by my gosh I just love all there stuff!
This Christmas card is what I am going to go with the elegant snowflake. So many of my favorite things all on one card! If I knew how to make cards this would be it. It has your last name initial in cursive, a snowflake, and the color blue! I find this card elegant, beautiful and not one you will get from every family this holiday. It has all the elements of the Holiday's and a winter wonderland feel. The simple one snowflake is better than a card full of snowflakes that takes away from the actual picture. The blue they used in the corner is so pretty and looks great with the winter white snowflake. The cursive Initial is just an amazing finishing touch. I think this card will be amazing with any 3 pictures you end up using of your family. Once I get all my pictures compiled I will have so much fun creating this special holiday card.
Shutterfly has other amazing holiday cards to check out along with other great holiday gifts for anyone on your list. A photo calendar of the  family personalized for the out of town parent, grandparent and more!
Stop by today and get your holiday cards!

Day 21, I'm thankful for alone time

Today I got to go see a movie! Not just any movie an adult movie, I haven't been to an adult movie in ages. I'm usually with the boys and we go see G movies. I went to see Morning Glory with Nancy today while Roger was to watch the boys. Of course he always gets away with not being alone with them. Marianne came and got them to go shopping. Anyway it was so nice to just have some quiet alone time doing what I want!
I am just so thankful that my husband allowed me to go do something I wanted to do with a friend today.
It's been a great weekend and I'm thankful!

Anyone interested in seeing Morning Glory should wait until it comes out on DVD. Morning Glory has great actors, Harrison Ford, Rachael McAdams and a few more but just not the usual roles they play. I was shocked to see them in such a plain movie. Don't get me wrong it was a good and funny movie but I think that it's a better at home movie. I didn't think that the price you pay for a ticket, soda and popcorn was worth it this time. Nancy and I were the youngest ones in the entire theatre! So my suggestion is to wait, save your money and get this on DVD.

Day 20, I'm Thankful for Games!

I'm a day late on this but it's hard to blog on weekends around here! So yesterday I was thankful for games. A low key Saturday afternoon turned into a fun filled evening with friends. I love spontaneous nights. My good friend Aimee had no kids and so she asked if we wanted to do a game night. If you know me at all you know I love a little friendly competition. I was with Dawnette and Steve and they also love games so we all joined up to the table with our games and adult beverages and started playing.
Games you should own:
Taboo
Phase 10
Cranium
Apples to Apples
Shut the box (if you can find it)
Grab some friends and family and have a great time!
So due to a fantastic Saturday night, I'm thankful for games (and friends again!)

Day 19, I'm thankful for the Law

This morning in the car ride to school I was cut off by a crazy lady! She nearly took us out, she came so close to my front bumper when cutting me off. I would hate to think what would of happened if she hit me going 55 miles an hour! So with my road rage I honked while swearing and flipping her the bird. Which is the least she deserves! This did not scare her or make her slow down at all. She continued to speed, change lanes drastically and cut people off. Much to my surprise she ended up at the same school as me! AND only 2 cars ahead!! I couldn't believe it, she was not running late either school didn't start for 10 more minutes. She drives like that with a kid in the car? How does she drive when she's alone?
I drop off my kids and start driving home when that freakin' crazy B*tch cuts me off again and nearly takes off my front bumper, so of course she gets another middle finger. I turn and she goes straight continuing to drive reckless. I couldn't shake the feeling of she may kill someone, so I called the police. I had the nicest gentlemen officer over this morning telling him my story. He listened and confirmed that I wasn't a bother, that they specifically have traffic cops for this reason.
To keep from having to give my name and signing her ticket (I will see her at school remember!) I didn't press charges. But, I did inform the officer that I wanted him to call her and give her a reprimand and that she will be watched. He was so excited, he said he just loves doing this. So I made his day and he made me feel comfortable that I won't or anyone else won't be dying today from her driving. I was also told that if she assumes it was me and harasses me at school, she will be arrested for harassment and be charged with a felony.
So today I am thankful for the Law, and the officer. Oh and the moral of the story is Don't F*^k with me or the Law! (is that from a movie??)
Drive Safe!

The Second Short life of Bree Tanner

A couple weeks ago I read Stephanie Meyer's book, The Second short life of Bree Tanner. This follows the Twilight Saga. The story is told in the voice of Bree, a teenager and newborn vampire, who is mentioned on page 569 of Eclipse. She's dead just ten pages later.
I picked this book up because I was in dire need of a Twilight pick me up. I wish sometimes that I didn't finish the saga so I could still be deep inside the drama. So I started SSLBT and I was not that impressed, it was flat and boring. It took me a few days to really put me in that place. I started to like the side of the story that you didn't have a clue was going on. What the Newborns were up to besides a killing spree in Seattle. Bree is young and kind of annoying but she finds a friend Diego (don't remember him) and they try and figure out why they were "born" and who made them. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is pretty much contained in the last week of the newborns' existence before the big fight (between the Cullens and the vampire army) in the meadow. Bree is killed by Jane after only being a newborn for 3 months.
I think Stephanie hit the nail on the head with this book. I loved that she knows the Twilight fans can never get enough so she writes from different characters points of view. I would assume she will do more from someone Else's point of view.
I know that she has a blurb of a chapter on her website, I've just been to busy to check it out. Plus I know I will want more. So if you also need a Twilight pick me up, stop by the library for the book. It's also only a bit over 100 pages so you can finish it fast.

Stephenie told USA Today how the novella came about.


"I started writing this a long time ago," Meyer said in an exclusive interview with USA Today. "It was when I was editing Eclipse. It was more of just an exercise so I could be clear about what was going on in the story."

Also available at Amazon.com

Day 18, I'm thankful for my UGG's

Almost 1 year ago my wonderful husband finally agreed to buying me some UGG's! I got them for Christmas (I knew I was getting them) and I have worn them so much. They don't always keep my feet warm in this freezing Colorado weather but I still wear them a lot! I wear them around the house too. I'm so in love with them and I plan on getting a new pair, just a different color. Maybe some pink ones!
Today in this cold weather I am thankful I have UGG's

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

I just love a good piece of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread! It's that season again that I start making all my breads. I have 8 Pumpkin loaves, 1 Zucchini, and 1 banana bread right now with more to come. We enjoy these for snacks and breakfast! Roger took a pumpkin loaf to work yesterday and the ladies loved it!  Recipe Here

Day 17, Thankful for my clothes

Yeah clothes are way better than being Naked! I don't get new clothes all that often but I do love clothes. I almost live in my workout clothes because they are so comfortable but I do love a good pair of jeans with a t-shirt. I have learned what brands are best, what stores I love and some I refuse to wear again in my many years of shopping. I swear by Under Armour clothing, I would wear everything by them if I could afford it.
I like GAP, I own quit a bit of there stuff too. I prefer the outlet styles over the real store. Better pricing and sometimes just better lines to make an entire outfit.
I wish I could afford many other expensive style clothes that I see in catalogs but I just can't right now.
I could go on for days...Today I am thankful I can afford clothes!

Day 16, I'm Thankful for Electronics

If it wasn't for my iPhone or laptop I wouldn't be blogging or keeping in touch with anyone! Saturday night I got to talk to my bestie Bekah in Seattle for a very long time, so I'm thankful I have a phone. I email a million people weekly if not for work for book club or catching up and so on. I love my laptop I am so addicted to it, I rather be on my laptop then watch TV.
So, today I am thankful for my electronics.

Day 15, I'm thankful for HEAT!

Today I am thankful that I can afford to heat my house, and my water! The Craft family loves there long HOT showers and a nice warm house. I think that I love the long hot showers so much because growing up in my house you had to turn off the water to lather, shampoo, condition, and shave. You could only have the water on to get wet and rinse! I hated that so much..My parents still do this! So I do believe I'm making up for lost shower time!
I am grateful for a heated house, we just had our second snowfall of the season and man it's cold outside! This is a luxury that can be taken away very easily, so today I am thankful for HEAT!

Day 14, I'm thankful for my Church

Recently we started going to a new church. We are still close to home but it's a lot smaller than the one we have been attending for the last year or so. We decided to try this church out because a couple of people Roger works with recommended it, I knew a great Christian family that attended and Tanner had done several VBS events at this church.
A couple months back we walked in to register the kids in there class and we were approached by a nice gentlemen and got to talking. We talked for about 10 min. Nice guy, I was impressed so far!  We took the kids to class and then went to the sanctuary for the service. I of course love to sing, so we joined in and when the Pastor walked up...it was the man we were talking to in the lobby! I couldn't believe that the pastor hangs out in the lobby and talks with all the attendees. I was sold at this point. I enjoyed the services every Sunday and so have the boys.
 I am so thrilled I found a church that I love. I hope that in 1 year I won't be looking for another one or going back to the old one. But anyway today I am thankful for my Church, you are a blessing to me and my family.

Day 13, Thankful for my Mom

Today I am thankful for my Mom. My mom is an amazing and friendly person. My mom always listens to me tell stories, complain whatever it is with open ears and responds and gives great advice. I think we have such a wonderful relationship is because she doesn't live in CO. I do think though that if she lived closer we would definitely fight. But it would be nice to have someone go hiking, and many more things with besides just my friends and kids.
My mom gives her time to so many others and never expects things in return.
My kids absolutely adore Nana too!
Today I am thankful for my Mom. We love you!

Big Green tractor

I found this online. This is performed by Scott Chavez from WA. I went to elementary school with him and his sister. I still keep in touch with Mandy through the wonderful facebook and was just amazed at how talented her brother is. Even though it's hard to understand all the words, I like the song.
Great job Scott!

Day 12, I'm thankful for TV

I hate to say it but I am thankful for TV. I don't watch much but I have at least 1 show a day that I love.
Monday: Gossip Girl and rerun of Real Housewives that I miss on Sunday's
Tuesday: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or nothing, I usually read and go to bed early
Wed: MTV Challenge
Thur: Grey's Anatomy and occasionally Private Practice
Fri: usually nothing, but if bored I watch dateline or something mystery
Sat: a movie or nothing
Sunday: Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters
I try really hard not to miss any Real Housewives episodes, I live for those! I think Reality TV is the best entertainment!
My kids are purely entertained by TV when I am busy or just need quiet time! So today thank you for inventing TV and shows to entertain us.

Here's Dylan reading a book, but I think he did more watching TV. (taken a while ago, look at that long hair)

Day 11, I'm thankful for my Dad (& all veterens)

Today I am thankful for my Dad, whom served in Vietnam War. Today is a special day for him and so many others. My Dad suffered a lot being in Vietnam War at age 18ish. He watched many dear friends die. My Dad also suffers today from being in the war, but I won't get into that. We just don't have a clue how much they did for our country.
So today I am thankful for Robert Luis Sisk for serving our country and for being my Dad and a great grandpa to my children! We love you!

 My dad at his rec center taking a break from playing with the boys.

My dad teaching Dylan how to swim.