MFT Part 5: 101 Gourmet Cupcakes

Although I don't own this cookbook, I have given it away as a gift to a couple people. One of those lucky people being my mom so it's easy enough to borrow when I need a quick, easy recipe for cupcakes. There are some amazing "gourmet cupcakes" in here that make you feel like quite the top-notch baker. I have tried the Peppermint cupcakes and also recently the Root Beer Float cupcakes. Y-U-M-M-Y!!! Loving it!

MFT Part 4: Apothecary Cabinet

Words do not describe my LOVE for this... my apothecary cabinet. I splurged a few years ago at Pottery Barn and added this to my scrapbook room. It is the perfect way to organize all my scrap crap and whats even better is that each of the individual drawers pull out completely and allows me to see my treasures! Not to mention that it's just stinking cute!! And a perfect addition to my decor.

MFT Part 3: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Ok it has been established that I am a bit of an OCD clean freak. And I have to admit that it's something that I'm proud of. No, my house is not always as clean as I would like but it sure is nice to find products out there to help with my obsession. If you haven't used the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, you are missing out. This little inexpensive tool is the bomb!! And truly MAGIC! I challenge anyone with stainless steel sinks to use this instead of Soft Scrub like I used to use. My sink is clean more often and in less time with no gritty residue. It takes crayon off of walls and a few years ago, removed black permanent marker from my brand new micro fiber couch! Another one of my VERY favorite things!

Happy Birthday Breckie!!

Last Monday was my little sister, Breck's birthday. We had a little party at mom's, unwrapped presents and had cupcakes and ice cream. Breck is so funny! Always the life of the party, there's never a dull moment when she is around. She got an Ipod Nano, Itunes gift card and some jewelry. I hope you had a wonderful birthday Breckie! Love you!

The Best Job in the World!!

The job that I am talking about is being a mom and it truly is the best job in the world. Mother, mumma, mommy, mom, ma and sometimes Conner calls me woman! Today was Mother's Day and thankfully I was able to see my kids for a couple of hours. Although it wasn't as long as I would have liked, I am grateful for the precious hours I had with them, taking pictures, playing chess and admiring their smiles. Being a mom is by far the hardest job I have but it is also the most rewarding. There is nothing sweeter than hearing "I love you's" from my children and feeling them wrap their arms around me after work on Tuesday's. I always used to worry that I wouldn't be able to have kids and I am so glad that I had two precious angels choose me to be their mom. Conner and Courtney, it is an honor to be your mom and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Always know that I am here for you for anything you could possibly need and I will be your biggest cheerleader and supporter. I want you to both learn and grow and be respectful human beings. I am so proud of you! I miss you so much when I am not with you and I think of you always. I love you 'mountain to mountain, sky to ground'.

Caught Ya!!!

The other night I was headed to bed, quite late I might add and discovered this little sneaky man reading his favorite book in bed using a tiny book light so he could see. Yes, he should have long since been asleep and I thought he was, but he LOVES the "Cirque Du Freak" series of books and is already on Book 4. This is the first time that Conner has been really addicted to reading and I love seeing him enjoying a good book. Read away my son!

MFT Part 2: Reese's Cremes

If anyone out there is a peanut butter lover, may I happily suggest these tasty little treats...

I LOVE these! I keep them down in my scrapbook room as a reward for 'me' time. And oh my goodness I need 'me' time! :) Just wanted to share a little indulgence! Happy day!!

Easter

I am finally getting around to posting about Easter. I had the kids for the whole weekend, which was absolutely wonderful. Once the kids and Clay woke up they found their Easter bags full of goodies.

Then we went down to Grandma and Grandpa's and had our traditional egg hunt. The three girls were so excited, Conner, not so much. Next year we will have to leave the party pooper out!

Grandma had baskets full of stuff for all the grandkids as well!

All of the crazy kids!

The easter bunny even left me a purse, some shoes and some candy at moms! Lucky me!!!

MFT (My Favorite Things) Part 1: Jaws

I decided that I would start blogging about some of MFT (my favorite things). These things are completely random and silly. But I wanted to share some of the things that I love!! So for MFT Part 1, may I introduce you to Jaws...

After the old Hoover exploded just before Christmas and I thought I would have to go out and dump a couple hundred dollars into a new vacuum, Clay reminded me that his Kirby vacuum was in the basement but it probably wasn't going to be good enough for me. How rude??? He brought it upstairs, changed the bag and I went to work! Oh my goodness!!! I fell in love!!! This magnificent piece of equipment has changed my life! Who cares about a little duct tape accessory?? I have since put 'Jaws' to work and it has been a weekly ritual that I look forward to! Thank you for making my house look spic and span!! Thank you! Thank you!!

Playdate at McDonalds

A couple weeks ago I took Courtney, her friend Presley, Hadley and Kenzlie to McDonalds for dinner and to play. Of course I had the camera in toe and captured our evening with some cute photos of these cute girls! They were so good and played really well together!! Thanks little ladies for a fun dinner date!

Courtney

Presley

Hadley

Kenzlie

Teacher Appreciation

This past week was teacher appreciation at school. Unfortunately, Courtney's teacher, Mrs. Kaufman had her baby on Monday so she wasn't there last week. We are so excited for her and her new baby boy, but Courtney misses her so much! Every day she asks me when Mrs. Kaufman will be back to school. I hate to tell her that she may not be back, but hopefully she will be able to make an appearance before school gets out for the summer. Courtney LOVES Mrs. Kaufman and looks forward to school each and every day. I must admit that I think she is pretty fantastic myself! Courtney has learned so much this year and is excelling in every subject! Thank you Mrs. Kaufman for being a wonderful teacher to my sweet Courtney, for teaching her so many valuable things and for being her favorite!

Mrs. Kaufman & Courtney
Our little "thank you" gift.

Happy Mother's Day

I wanted to give a shout out to the BEST mom in the whole world! My mom! She definately doesn't get the credit she deserves. She does so much for me. She gives great advice, is the greatest example, the most wonderful grandma, mends all our clothes, has the quickest wit of anyone I know. All of these things and so much more are why I love her so much!! I don't know where I would be without my sweet mom and I don't tell her enough how much I love and appreciate her. I love that I live so close and can go to her with anything I could possibly need. She is always there for me and never makes me feel like I am bothering her. My kids go to her house everyday after school and she takes care of them until I get home from work. It's so nice not to have to worry about them and know they are somewhere where they are loved. She even gives my sisters and I a mothers day gift! How sweet is that?? Thank you mom, for everything that you do for me. I love you!!

Mom and her Granddaughters
Mom and I (This photo is from a couple years ago)