Apron guys here on Apron Girls...

I was feeling pretty bummed that I have had nothing really to post, and then it hit me that I DID have something I had made that I wanted to share. I just made several of these bib/aprons for my kids and I LOOOOOVE them. There are no ties, so the kids are able to slip them on themselves anytime. And they are versatile enough to take with us out to eat or to use for an art project, or help mom cook in the kitchen since they have such great coverage.

disclosure: please ignore the wrinkles, dirty wall, and crooked pic. Getting 2 boys to pose right before lunch is apparently the latest form of torture...so I had to snap fast.

FRONT:

AND BACK:

I did one for my little girl too that has ruffles on all around the bottom. SO fast and so easy! I got the pattern from youcanmakethis.com and you can print off the PDF file for sizes 2-12...so well worth the $5.99 I paid since I have already made several sizes and can keep doing so for another MANY years! :) You can see the product info here.

Anyway, there ya have it! A fun, easy apron...or bib...however you see it.

I was so excited about this new project that after I posted the other day I got right to it.  As I got going on it, I realized some of the stuff I need to get rid of were actually just things I needed to store away.  For example...

A box full of clothes my son has grown out that I will store away for a couple years until my baby boy fits them.

Baby clothes that my baby boy and girl have grown out of that I will store away for future children.

A box of books to D.I.

A box of clothes to D.I.

Half way there!  After I got this stuff cleared out I realized my goal of eight boxes was perhaps a little lofty.  I am going to stick with it though and get four more!  Thanks for the tip of lining the box with a garbage sack--genius!  

How many have you done?

Innocence

My 7 year old daughter came up to me today and asked me a question, "Mom? Do you know what pole dancing is?" WHAT THE?!!!! I still am aghast at hearing those words coming out of her mouth; I mean it wasn't the S-E-X word but it ranks right up there. So of course I try to see what she knows and she tells me that it's where people dance on a pole without any clothes and they are kissing. Oh boy. Where the heck did SHE hear about pole dancing, I want to know! Come to find out a friend at school told her about pole dancing. She also told me that this friend's dad has to go to the police station every Sunday and the police have to keep track of him. Hmmm.

Well I managed to keep my cool. I told her that this friend obviously needs a good friend. Tillie can be a good friend by not talking about that sort of thing. Tillie can be a good friend by being an example of respecting our bodies. We talked about good friends and how it's important to pick good friends. I asked her if she had ever heard the word "sex" and she said yes, that a boy told her she was sexy! OKAY!! Mom needs a break {and backup}!!!

So we've been talking about having "THE" talk with her. We've talked quite a big about our bodies and taking care of them, treating them with respect, privacy... that kind of thing. She's in 2nd grade. We don't have tv {so she doesn't get exposed to any of it there}. Oh I hate that my sweet & innocent little girl has to deal with this so early! I was so naive for so so long {seriously}. We need to have this talk sooner than later. So a little advice: how much do we talk about at this age? Any suggestions on how to go about it? I have no idea where to even start!

Gutting Out

Just an ordinary diaper box?  Not for long...

I was sitting around being lazy yesterday and decided I was tired of a cluttered home.  Okay, that is not the first time I have thought that, but then I set a goal for myself.  

Fill this box 8 times in the next 8 weeks.  I don't know why the number 8, it just popped in my head.  Then, this morning I was thinking, "I can do better than that!"  How about 8 times in the next 2 weeks.  I will do more if I can, but 8 is the minimum.

As I do my regular cleaning around the house I will find things that I don't use, that are broken, etc. and put them in the box.  When the box is full I will put everything in a garbage sack and send it off to D.I.  Then fill it up again!  I am actually super excited about this!!

Anyone want to join me?  Or am I the only one that has 8 boxes worth of stuff that I can get rid of?

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Tortellini Soup

Sun dried tomato chicken tortellini soup. Yes, that is one long name, but I can't think of anything else so there you go. This soup is divine. So easy to make. Although I don't have any claims about it being low fat or cheap! Anyhow try it! And it's even good for leftovers. Surprisingly my kids eat this right up.

1 package Cheese Tortellini

2 cans chicken broth

2 Chicken breasts cooked and shredded (I actually use canned chicken)

1 jar Alfredo sauce

1/2 jar sun dried tomatoes

3 handfuls of spinach

Cook chicken and shred. Cook tortellini according to directions and set aside. In large pot add chicken broth and Alfredo sauce and simmer on low (add a pinch of pepper if desired). Add chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and spinach to sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach starts to wilt down a little. Then add tortellini and serve.

A joy journal update...

Hey everyone.

It's been a while. I have been reading and checking in, here but I have honestly not felt like I had a whole lot to contribute. Clearly I am not immune to bronchitis OR the winter blahs and as a result I have felt the creative side of me shredded to pieces. :)

Hoping to get that back soon. Like, really soon.

I just thought I would update on my new years "resolution" to start my joy journal.

I don't want to sound to sentimental or mushy, but this has honestly changed so much of how I see things as a mom. I absolutely love taking a few minutes each day to write down something about my children that has made me happy that day...and being able to go back through and read post after post has been quite theraputic on really rough days.

So while I have no fun before and after pictures, and this is hardly crafty or super-domestic, I just thought I would update you on the resolution that's really made a difference for me...

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and is one of my favorite days of the year! I've been collecting vintage valentines and wanted to share some of my collection with you...they are so fun & bright and make me happy! I remember as a kid my parents leaving valentines for us children on the porch. They would ring the doorbell and run around through the back yard, into the house and then pretend to be surprised at our special delivery! What a great memory! No wonder it's a happy day for me...

hope yours is wonderful too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

What a beautiful day...

...for a sidewalk chat! I don't want to make you all jealous or anything, but I had a great hour today! I sat and chatted with Marci for an hour on the sidewalk by the bus stop. It was wonderful! What's my point? Well, that hour was one of those moments that we are always told to embrace, which I rarely do. Have you stopped to realize lately how lucky we are to have friends? Today I did stop to realize that. I do have great friends that I would do anything for, and I know they would do the same for me. This may be a bit gushy, but sometimes a bit of gush is a good thing, don't ya think?

Child's Apron

I needed an easy sewing project this weekend to keep me sane. I decided to make an apron for my 2-year-old because he likes to wear mine. So we went to the fabric store and he picked out this monkey fabric. I found the super easy pattern with a great tutorial here. (You get the pdf by clicking the picture of the apron on the right a little ways down.) I love that he can put it on all by himself.When cutting out the pieces, I added 10.5 inches to the body, while the pattern said to add 9. I just wanted more length. I also added a pocket to the front for storing little things.

I thought if you found some fun fabric, it could be a great project for Valentine's Day!

Help Help Me Rhonda!!!

So a few years ago I was visiting my sis in Houston and fell in love with this. It was a table runner made by V and given to my sister. I loved each and everyone of the fabrics and was determined to find it. After talking to V I found that it was from an old line that had been discontinued. I still kept searching. One day I found a fat quarter stack on ebay that had one fat quarter of each fabric in the line. I was so excited and purchased it immediately hoping that one day I would be able to transform it into my bedspread. I have made a few quilts in the past and really enjoy it. But two years later and it's still a stack of fat quarters. I just cannot decide or find the perfect pattern. I love the simplicity of all triangles like the one V made but am worried that would be too much for an entire bedspread. What do you think? Does anyone out there have a great pattern for a scrap quilt? I know many of you are much more experienced with quilting than I am and I would love to hear your opinion!!!

Confession and a Challenge

Sigh. Ok. It's like this. I hoard things. Fabric. Pretty stationary. Sprinkles. You get the picture. I suddenly realized that I sorta hoard food supplies too......here is my analysis. I grew up in Ohio. At that time,we lived way out in the country, the weather was sometimes bad,and my parents just didn't get out to grocery shop like I do...I mean I get a cravin,I hop in the car. Consequently,they had a well stocked pantry and deep freeze. You know,just in case there was a blizzard or something and they got stuck at home.

Apparently even though I live in southern California....I'm ready for that blizzard. I could live for months with what is in my cupboards and freezer. What the heck am I doin? Does anyone else do this?

So here is my challenge....I am going to attempt to USE the stuff in the cupboards and freezer and not buy any more food unless its the perishables/absolutely necessary stuff. I am going to make it a game to see how much I can clear out,AND how much I can save at the grocery. This could prove very interesting......and make for some unique meals. :) Anyone up to the challenge?

Take THAT, Winter Blahs...

Yesterday Hannah and I got together to get some projects DONE! I like how Hannah's turned out, and she likes how mine turned out... we're both undecided how we feel about our own projects...
The mirror with hooks is Hannah's. She picked the perfect blue! That green thing... that's mine. I don't think I picked the perfect green.

The before....

The after... What do you think? I think it's just all wrong. Too dirty stained, the green is a bit too... something. I was going for fresh, but it just isn't quite right. Plus, the drawer on the right is different because I had to redo it (didn't like the first stain color), and I can see the difference. Sigh... maybe this is why I never get around to doing projects.

We also went to Sha's house for a crockpot recipe swap yesterday. Hopefully that will keep the winter blahs away for just a little bit longer... until the next fun day! :)

A Cool Quote

What you are is God's gift to you. What you become is your gift to God."

~author unknown

Winter Time Blues

Okay girls I need help!!!! I will be honest until about a day or two ago, I really haven't minded the winter. I lived in Houston for a couple of years and missed the cold and the snow so much while there. But like I said before not so much anymore! I stay at home with my two adorable but very tiring little girls and I live in an apartment in the ice hole of Utah. So I am just wondering what kind of things you all do to get out of the winter time blues. I am open to any ideas, decorating, or redecorating tips, non-winter recipes, maybe areas or ways that you clean and organize, things to do with a 2 and 4 year old (besides watch t.v. we've got that covered above and beyond), and maybe exercise videos or exercises that you can do in your own home. Anyways...I am just feeling like my house is in constant chaos, my kids are bored and watch way too much t.v. and my house is feeling dull and dark and I am feeling frumpy, lumpy and uncreative in anyway. So put on your thinking caps and let me know what you are all doing to stay sane, happy and patient. I am afraid if I don't do something soon, my poor family will only continue to suffer.

Chicken Salad... My Way

I LOVE chicken salad... I could seriously eat it every day. I always mix some canned chicken, grapes, celery, onions, miracle whip, salt and pepper together. I like quite a bit of crunch and some sweet in there too. I usually put it on croissants, or rolls, or crackers... honestly, I could eat it by itself out of a bowl.

Soooo... I was wondering... how do you make chicken salad? I've never followed a recipe, so I don't know if I make it how everyone else makes it or not.

What color(s) should I paint?

We are in the process of finishing a bedroom (and hopefully the family room) in our basement.

I've been "collecting" idea's for my boys' bedroom for forever, but I am at a complete loss when trying to decide on paint color(s). I have until FRIDAY to figure out the paint and carpet colors, so if you have suggestions, PLEASE HELP!

My boys want a space room, but they are 9 and 7, and I'm afraid they'll grow out of it too soon, so any "space themed" stuff needs to be easy to take out as they get older. My sister designed these cute scrapbook papers for me, that I'll use to mod-podge on frames, or containers, or whatever to add some "space" to their room. (By the way, you can click on her "Scrappity" link in the sidebar to download any of her papers for free).

Since they both love science, I decided to make it a "Science" room so it could include space, but also volcano's, bugs, robots, and everything else they love.

The bedding will be like the picture on top, except the stripes will be navy, orange, lime green, and a bit of turquoise. We have two huge illustrated world/U.S. maps for one wall, that are blue/turquoisey in the background. They also have an aquarium, and we'll be using their microscope, volcano lamp, and bio-dome habitat as decor in the room as well.

I love this organizational wall from Pottery Barn:

I do have some large pieces of corrugated metal that I'm considering using as wainscoating (sp?) across the bottom of one wall, with moulding across the top. Is that too weird?

I like using color in kid's rooms, but I don't want it so crazy that you can't rest in there. We don't really need any extra crazy in our house. Also, it's a basement room with one small window, so I don't want it to be too dark.

Any and all suggestions or idea's are welcome.

The Potty

I couldn't resist posting that ridiculous picture. What on earth?!

So my question is about the toilet. That disgusting old necessity. I love those Clorox tablets that you drop into the tank. I don't want to have to scrub my toilet more than I have to and I have found that those work really well and keep things smelling fresh for a while. The problem is they are super expensive! Do any of you have any special trick you use that keeps your potty fresh? And just how often are y'all scrubbing yours?

Grandma's One Hour Rolls

One Hour Rolls

Combine:

¾ cup HOT water

1 tsp. salt

6 Tbs. melted butter

¼ c sugar

Cool to lukewarm.

Add:

2 Tbs. yeast dissolved in

¼ cup + 2 Tbs. lukewarm water

Add 1 egg

Beat well and add flour until easy to work. Knead.

Roll out and cut. Brush with melted butter.

Cover and let rise until double (about 30-45 minutes).

Bake 425° for 12 minutes.

Saturday is Baking Day!

Life with four youngsters gets quite busy.  By the time I should be preparing dinner in the evening I am usually tired and not in the cooking mood.  So, to help with my resolution to cook more, I am simplifying and cooking ahead.

I am declaring Saturday to be Baking Day!

I have my next weeks meals planned out and cook the meats, chop the veggies, and bake the breads we will need.  I am super excited about this.

Wish me luck.

Happy Baking Day!!!

Re-purposed Vintage Sheet

I found this really cute sheet at the thrift store a few months ago and fell in love. The blue, the green, lots of white, and the daisies. All favorites of mine. It had "re-purpose me" written all over it and with a price tag of $2.00 it was guaranteed a home with me. Not too many days after I brought it home I had an "aha!" moment and an idea was born.

Meet my new shower curtain!

Peanut Butter Cookies

Wow. As if I NEEDED another cookie recipe that I love. I have tried several peanut butter cookie recipes in the past, but this one is my favorite so far. They are fabulous! I didn't have any peanut butter chips so I just used chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 Tbsp. milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup chocolate chips

For sprinkling: 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, vanilla, milk and egg. Mix. Add peanut butter. Mix until relatively smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Then mix all together wet & dry. Add chips if desired. Roll dough into ball and roll into sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press gently with a fork to criss cross. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake. Cookies will just be starting to golden on top and may appear to be underdone. Cool the cookies on the sheets for 1 minute, then remove to a rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!


For more delicious recipes for your family, come on over here.

The Pursuit of HappYness

I love my personal/family blog. It is an easy, mess free, & cheap way for me to journal & scrapbook our life. I love that I can have it published in a book that EVERYONE enjoys! We only have 2008 but I often find the kids sitting on the couch reading or just looking at pictures. Over the next couple months I will have 2007 & 2009 finished on blurb and we will have all the more memories to relish in. It's FABULOUS!! I like to focus on all the good things in my life, big OR small. I like to take pictures... a lot. So both of these worlds collide and I end up with A LOT to blog about.

I am the first to admit that our life isn't perfect. Heck, nobody's is. But I'm not exactly too keen on blogging about all our woe is me's. Some things are just too personal to throw out into the blogesphere. And I definitely don't want to dwell on them and fuel the fire! A few of my favorite pertinent quotes are:

Come what may AND LOVE IT
Find Joy in the Journey
If you want to be happy, be. ~Leo Tolstoy
Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy. ~Cynthia Nelms
Smile! If you can't keep the corners up, let the middle sag
People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. ~H. Jackson Browne
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln
Happiness is the feeling you're feeling when you want to keep feeling it. ~Author Unknown

Life has brought with it a lot of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. And it will continue to do so. But I can assure you that we will be smiling our way through it.

I hope you do the same! Here's to finding HappYness!