There were candles, presents and loads of fun for this little one.

One year older, but still my baby girl...

Sugar, spice, and whole lotta something else...

You are everything I expected in a little girl, some I never could have imagined, and more wonderful than I ever thought possible.

You love to create.

{ribbon and paper necklaces are your current specialty}

You love to bake.

{cupcakes are the confection of choice}

You love all things pink, sparkly, frilly or

anything that remotely resembles make-up.

{you "borrow" anything you can from my jewelry stash}

You love to dance and sing.

{the songs you make up in the car are my favorite}

You love being you!

{and I love that too}

Happy 5th Birthday Brynners!

First Day of School

It came and went just like that!
I think it will be another successful year for this sweet boy.

The things we do for love

A sign-up sheet went around work.

It was a going away party for a fellow employee.

Jeremy noticed a slot for cake was still available.

He claimed that as his contribution.

He brought home a flyer and requested I replicate it on the cake.

Next time I'll keep my fingers crossed in hopes that he just signs up for a side dish

.

Fondant is hand cut and frosting is freehanded (aka: a huge pain in my booty).

The sky is a watercolor treatment, but that was fun!

Summer Dayz

We didn't spend nearly enough time lounging poolside this summer.... but there's always next year.

Can't Wait...

Anyone want to go together?

Cake Anyone?

A few things I've been up to this summer.....

A birthday cake for our good friend.

He is a VW enthusiast to the core

and I replicated his bus.

With only 26 hours notice...

I'm calling it a success.

***

Wedding Cake

Turns out the father of the bride went to high school with Jeremy.

True story.

***

Cake for a reception.

Simple outside, but the inside

was chocolate pound cake filled with dark chocolate ganache.

I think I gained 3 lbs that weekend eating cake scraps turned cake burritos*.

*If you aren't familiar with cake burritos come over and let me enlighten you!

Summer has been good to us,

and we plan on squeezing every last minute out of our remaining 10 days.

Kinda Forgot I Had a Blog...

I'm pretty sure you forgot too. Lots of things have happened, and yet I still don't feel the pull to post. Bad, I know, but my feelings all the same.

Maybe someday the blogging spark will reignite, and then again- maybe not. It is summer after all and blogging is supposed to take a back burner.

So there it is, enjoy life on the back burner!

{and if for some crazy reason the view from the back burner gets old I suppose we could always chat on the phone or meet up at the park, ya know do things that friends actually do}

Until then, enjoy the fabulously non-scorching weather.

33% of my Life

10 years =

7 cars

2 houses

4 moves

5 wards

16,000 feet of sod

3 great kids

27 trips to Utah (at least)

20 seasons of Survivor

2 dogs

7 fish

More happy times than I can count!

-Jeremy

Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century.

~Mark Twain

Delightful Pictures

Even though this bell doesn't have a built in light like it's amazingly mediocre predecessor I still think the copper beats broken and yellowed any day!

Have Done List

(way better than a to-do list)

*doorbell installed and looking absolutely fantastic

*VW bus cake completed

*kids to the dentist

*dr. appointments scheduled, no baby here. I know you're wondering.

*hanging baskets up and blooming

*serious weeding session

*ran

*sat

*read

At The Intersection of Reality and Responsibility

Dear Restoration Hardware,

Thank you for all the emails you've sent my way since my recent purchase (5 in 11 days if you were curious). I'm a huge fan of yours, loving pretty much everything your quaint store has to offer, most especially that crazy huge comfy distressed leather couch that is the same the size as my bed! Really, I could die.

Unfortunately, the ONLY thing I can afford from you I have already purchased. That's right, the $10 doorbell. And although the $100 off a $500 purchase offers you continue to try to entice me with seem heaven sent, they just aren't. Let me know when your price point is more like Target. We'll talk.

Thinking of you wistfully,

Heather

Making My Mark

In college Jeremy had a saying:

"Beauty is only a light switch away."

{pre-Heather days, for sure}

As ridiculous as this slogan was,

it's fairly similar to my current decorating philosophy:

"Beauty is only a can of spray paint away."

These chairs were screaming for a new coat of paint.

The only before picture I had.

The peach just wasn't doing it for me anymore.

I rescued the table from my own garbage.

Yes, I threw it away after letting it sit untouched in the garage for a few months.

(it was a cast-off from someone else that found a temporary home in our garage)

Later that night I realize my mistake.

And next morning I tipped the mondo green garbage can on it's side and climbed on in.

Sick, I know.

However, I think the transformation more than makes up for my dumpster diving experience.

Seafoam blue and oil rubbed bronze make a great pairing.

The total was less than 13 dollars,

yet it gives the porch a million dollar punch.

Inbox

Got a little thank you note in my inbox today and I LOVE thank you's.

This was how I spent the last weekend, and it was great as always. Although I could do with a little less Mercy River. They are fine, just not my favorite.

See if you can spot me in the video!

Yeah. I couldn't see me either. But I was there hoping like the rest of 'em.

If you get a chance to hit a Time Out For Women this round- do it. Just hearing Mariama's story will change your life, and Jenny Oaks Baker live is something not to miss.

Promise.

Swagga

I think I may need to revisit the anti-minivan stance I have taken...

The 80's are alive and well...

" 'Some people are born great. Some people have greatness thrust upon them.'

Some are neither."

-Jeff

Touche.

Happy Mail

Remember back when I won this totally phenomenal giveaway?

Well, my happy mail arrived on Saturday!

And the necklace is even more gorgeous in person.

or maybe it's just the fact that it had the letters H & J on it.

awww... so sweet

Either way, I love it!

Thanks RHV!

Go on, get yourself one!

Feelin the 80's?

Break out your leg warmers, Aqua Net, mixed tapes,

pegged pants, bangle bracelets

and join the party!

80's Date Night

Rollarena

Thursday April 22

6pm

$10 per couple

If you want to come, we want you there!

Prizes for the best 80's look- so come dressed to impress.

* I did a trial run on my hair yesterday morning and

you are not going to want to miss it!

Mesmerized

My name is Heather and it has been 9 days since I posted last.

I have been entranced with the most terrifying, heart-wrenching, yet somehow inspiring story. Only it's not a story, it's someone's real life. If you want to see first hand how someone can handle trials with grace and determination... go here.

One of the Many

...reasons to love being a mom.

Luck

...has nothing to do with the fact that I married one thoughtful man.

All on his own he set up an appointment for me to get a cut/color with one of my favorite girls.

He thought I would be disappointed that I didn't win.

I wasn't.

But who doesn't like to be the recipient of a generous thought?

The NEW Hair.

A little lighter than I've been in recent days.

Change is due and change is good.

{the picture quality is compliments of my phone, the 'real' camera is currently hiding}

I put on my "Sunday Makeup" for you all.

Enjoy.

More Giveaway Fodder

You know what is making me happy?

Lee Ann is back, and doing one exciting giveaway.

I'm giddy just thinking about it...

I might be pressing my luck but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

You should do the same.

Welcome her home and go enter here!

Passionista & Fashionista Love

What are the chances of winning not one but two blog giveaways in one weekend?

I'd have to say slim to none, if I were throwing out odds.

I guess I'm just all about beating the odds...

because one fabulous mix from the amazing tune tycoon and

one adorable charm necklace from this fashion fiend via this swanky place are coming my way.

I may actually check the mail this week.

Thanks girls!

Pumpkin Waffles

A few people asked for the waffle recipe I made last week. I found a basic recipe on the internet and tweaked it. Here's what I came up with.

Pumpkin Waffles

1 egg, beaten (I used the extra yolks, too)

3 egg whites, beaten until stiff

6 tablespoons of brown sugar

12 oz evaporated milk

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 c pumpkin

3 tsp of vanilla

2 c flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

3 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 teaspoon of cloves

optional add ins (which I didn't do):

3/4 c apples, finely diced

1/4 c toasted walnuts

Beat together egg, yolks, sugar, milk, oil, pumpkin and vanilla.

Sift together dry ingredients.

Add dry mixture to the wet mixture - (don't over-mix).

Fold in egg whites, and apple and nuts if you are adding them.

The kids loved these, Jeremy gave them good reviews, and I'm a sucker for anything pumpkin so I was all over it! Let me know what you think.

Could be a good Easter or General Conference breakfast option this weekend.

She's A Giver

Chelsea has worked her boo-tay off putting together this awesome makeover.

And you know, she isn't done yet!

She's got more makeovers in the works...

and a really awesome giveaway going on right now.

Go there now, and thank me later!

In Spirit of Good Sportsmanship

That bites!

Although, I am glad for the winner.

She would have gotten my vote, ya know, if I wasn't selfish and hadn't voted for myself.

{holy crap I'm gonna be the best t-ball coach, ever!}

If's really can come true...

and so it is.

I'm in the top 5!

What I need now is a lot of love (in the form of votes) to help me finish this makeover journey. So if you have approximately 36 seconds, and internet access, would you be willing to help a gal out?

Go here and cast your vote for me.

Voting ends on March 30th at 11:59pm, so time is of the essence!

And if you are really feeling charitable a little blogging, tweeting, facebooking, texting {heck I'd even take old fashioned face-to-face chatting} to help me get the word out wouldn't hurt either.

I'm excited, but totally embarrassed about that picture... gah!

Life as we know it

consists of this happening this week.

~ finally finishing and submitting my makeover sob story... if (it's a big if)I get into the top 5 I'll be counting on ALL of your votes and blog posts {hint, hint} to help me out. You in?

~ feeling guilty enough to say "YES, I will coach t-ball since no one else can even if it means my son will be on a different team than last year with absolutely no one he knows." Awesome. It actually will be awesome, once I can get through the 50 emails that showed up in my inbox. It's exhausting already!

~ tax refund. Well I don't know if it can really be called a refund since we only paid taxes for 3 months of the year last year but who's keeping track?

~ eating delicious pumpkin waffles, Aebleskiver batter turned into waffles because I don't own one of these, zucchini pancakes, and making homemade buttermilk syrup all in honor of International Waffle Day yesterday.

There's more but life is calling me, or maybe that's just the timer on the dryer. Gotta run. Enjoy the weekend!

Drop Baby, Drop Baby, Drop

I have heard these words over and over and over and over all weekend long. Don't worry I'm not buggin' out yet because it's just so dang cute when your kiddos are singing this together. At this point I'll take anything that doesn't involve fighting between Brynnlee and Kaden.

Thanks to our super cool neighbor, Chris, for jamming out at the ward talent show and bringing this song into our world. We love it.

Are you feeling it too?

That's the Impression that I Get

Ok. True story.

A while back as I was hangin' out with two good friends after the kidlets were in bed. We were going to be indulging in a somewhat sad chick flick and thus we prepped ourselves:

ice cream - check

movie - check

So, yeah, that's about where the 'preparation' ended. Oh, except for this little doozie:

My friend turns to me and says: "You aren't going to make fun of me when I cry, right?"

I was appalled and even kind of offended that she would even have to ask that question. Let's be honest- I am not the kind of person who makes fun of people. So I shot back "What? I never make fun of people."

WOW.

That was obviously the wrong thing to say because the look they both gave me {imagine disbelief mixed with shock with a little annoyance thrown in for good measure} could have killed. Then they both burst into riotous laughter. And then finally they proceeded to tell me that they couldn't believe that that even came out of my mouth because, in fact, I make fun of people ALL. THE. TIME.

Well, of course, I had to explain myself.

Ok, YES, I make fun of people. If you do something totally lame or funny YES you will hear it from me for the rest of your life. If I think something you say is crazy, YES, I'll call you out on it every chance I get. YES, sarcasm and I have a personal relationship. Trust me, I know I milk every last drop of fun out of good entertainment but that doesn't mean I don't have a soul. It's not like I would ever be cast as Regina George in Mean Girls. I only make fun of people when it will be funny to us all. Not when you are huddled with 3 friends bawling over a sappy love story.

Well, at least that's the defense I'm sticking with. I know, right? How am I not bankrolling as the best lawyer ever?

So, what's your take on the "making-fun-of-people heather"?

8 Cows and 40 Years Later

... a little update on Mahana, brought to my attention by the infamous goddessdivine.

This movie is awesome. If you haven't seen it, where have you been? Come on over, I'll introduce you to the wonderment that is early LDS movies.

The first time I remember seeing Johnny Lingo was at a youth fireside. The highlight of the meeting was the reaction of our YW President's 6 year old son. Bob's eyes, upon seeing Mahana returning back to the island in all her beauty, popped out of his head, he plastered a big smile on his face and loudly said Ma-Ha-Na! He was totally smitten. True story.

Do you love Johnny Lingo? Anyone seen the new version? Maybe I should try that one for my kids who do not appreciate this movie. At. All.

Weekend Recap

Weekend Ups

3 day weekend with my man

finally got to see my friend who lives 3 miles away {sad I know}

fun night out with great friends

family bike ride in sunny weather

fun night in with great friends, and a lotta BandHero

an uplifting Sunday

Weekend Downs

playing the organ

playing the organ

playing the organ

Be Still

Jessica emailed me this article.

I have never faced an earthquake, but I have felt like the earth was crumbling and groaning all around me. I have been surrounded by chaos, and learned to be still. I have trusted in Heavenly Father more than I ever have before and been blessed with peace. So when Sister Laycock wrote this, I couldn't help but nod and feel like we have somehow learned the same lessons even though we have walked completely different paths.

"We were blessed with peace in the midst of chaos. We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life."

People of "A Certain Store"

A while back I submitted a photo to a certain website that showcases crazy things/people at a particular retail giant we all love/hate. (gettin' a little too comfy with slashes there, sorry) I've had lots of inquiries of said photo so here it is in all it's glory. In case you were wondering, no I didn't win a gift card. In fact I'm pretty sure it didn't even make the website. More evidence that I'm really not as funny as I think. Dang it!

Jumpin'

...back in to the world of regular blogging, that is. Today is the last day of Jeremy being home. I'm not gonna lie- it's kind of a weird feeling.

Me and the cousins cliff jumping at Lake Powell, 1998-ish.

Me and Jake Rogers jumping at Conchas?? 1997

(freak there's only like 2 lakes in NM, you'd think I'd remember the name)

Reality is taking up residence in my brain. For real.

Today marks the 13th day that we've known our life is, indeed, going to change. Jeremy after months of applications, resumes, rejections, frustrations, redirection and a whole lotta "what now?" finally has a job. A job which starts on Monday about 45 minutes from our sweet little abode. And while I'm over the moon with this news, obviously, I'm a little apprehensive as well.

You see, before the unemployment gig Jeremy had a job which allowed him to work from his "home office" AKA the bonus room upstairs. Life for the last 3+ years has included my husband being, for the most part, at home. At home when I had to run to the Dr, at home when I needed to teach a piano lesson, at home when I wanted to have lunch with a friend, or run to the store, or visit teach, or a million other things I needed/wanted to do without a gaggle of children in tow. You see where I'm going with this?

And now it all comes to end. I will finally have to navigate life the way other moms do. And I'm not quite sure how I feel about that.

It'll work out, but change is always scary. Ya know?

Family Makes the World Go 'Round

I have this cousin, who I love dearly. Growing up we had a lot of fun times and she never ceases to impress me with her wit. I mean, girlfriend is hilarious (I taught her a lot of her skills the summer we lived together) and she is a riot to be around. She finally moved out of the smog of California, but I think that the hairspray fumes in Utah might be having the same effect on her judgement.

Presenting her latest endeavor.

PS - You'll want the sound up for this.

Biznis of Cake

3rd Birthday

This girl loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and I think it turned out so cute.

See what I have to work with? I really love my job.

(kidding, kate)

Melanie's Baby Shower cake.

I flew solo on this one since our schedules didn't mesh.

My mother-in-law's birthday cake.

Yes, it was as good as it looks.

I've been wanting to try some old school piping scroll work for a while and this gave me the perfect excuse. I love the way it turned out.

Stats

10 months or...

46 weeks or...

326 days or...

7827 hours or...

469,668 minutes or...

28,180,134 seconds

anyway you count it- I'm glad to say it's finally over.

Jeremy clocks back into the work force on March 1st!

Amen, Cos

My cousin's most recent blog entry. I totally get it.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

This looks like so much fun and Jeremy really wants to win, so check it out. If we aren't lucky enough to win but you are I will totally come and visit you in the Emerald City (as long as you take me to lunch). Deal?

It's ALWAYS about perspective, isn't it?

A few months back I got a frantic call 2 hours before church asking if I would fill in because they really, really, really needed someone to play for Sacrament meeting. Fortunately for me I don't play the organ so I had to decline. Unfortunately for me Kim was desperate enough that she said the piano would be fine.

This past Sunday the ward officially sustained me as a Ward Organist. Say what? {Yeah, I'm right there with ya.} So really, the only thing that has changed since that fateful Sunday last year is that now I suppose I can that say that I play the organ.

How many mistakes do you think they'll let me have before they officially rescind their offer? My guess is waaaay too many.

So Says I: Brynners Edition

As I'm loading the washer:

"Don't forget my nasty underwear!"

With big eyes as she hears daddy's voice in church:

"Whoa, that sounds just like our dad!"

Driving down the road:

"Mom when I get the age you are now I'm gonna drive you somewhere sooo special!"

As we are taking the sacrament:

"Why don't they ever put butter on this bread?"

As I am typing this blog:

"Are you trying to spell 'Daddy is a turd. I love Brynnlee?' on that blog?

My Awkward Family Photo Submission

While perusing the old family photos yet again I ran across this perfect little gem.

I'm not sure what qualifies this picture more: Nathan looking sulky and downtrodden, three people holding cats, Adrienne and Melissa's extreme fascination with their cats, my totally weird face, Alicia's totally creepy smile, or my mom's glasses. Ummm.... I actually think that the combination of all of those amazing factors contribute to the total and complete awkwardness of this family photo.

Confession(s)

1. I am still alive.

2. I never blog anymore.

3. I would rather play SuperMario on Wii than blog.

4. I've been released officially as the Primary Pianist for 3 weeks and have yet to make it to Relief Society.

5. I subbed in nursery and actually liked it.

6. I'm happy to sub in nursery for the next two months (till Ella is official) and then I'll have to get back to you after that.

7. I read this blog from my cousin and laughed so hard it made me want start blogging again.

8. I love the show Hoarders, and it makes me want to get rid of lots of stuff. Win-win.

9. I have no New Years Resolutions and I'm totally OK with it.

The End.

Christmas Memories: The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of.

Christmas was so fun. It always is, but this year was different. This year we headed to my parents new house in Utah. And it was the first time all nine of my siblings and I have all been together for Christmas! (weird, I know but when kids join the family after others are married that's just the way it goes). Before this year the family hadn't been together since 1999, 10 years. It was time.

While there we toured the lights at Temple Square. Pretty much this

is one of those things that are non-negotiable. If we're in Utah- we go. And even though it doesn't change much I never get sick of seeing it. If you've never been- do yourself a favor and try to get there some time

The snow was falling gently and it was picture perfect. Until a snowball fight in the parking lot turned to tears. It's all fun and games until... well, you know.

I could go on and on about the details, but that's just not me and I really don't have 8 hours to spend on this post. I'm already about 2 hours past my allotted 20 minutes. So here it is in a few simple pictures.

Christmas Eve excitement.

Christmas morning joys.

Her favorite part of Christmas was that gumball machine!

I don't think she let go of it for the entire day.

Me and my little niece snuggling early, early Christmas morn.

Please disregard the sleepless look

Jeremy and Kaden built this snow fort. I don't know how much credit we should actually give Kaden although, the fort was his idea. It was awesome and huge.

We got 5 adults and two kids in there and still had room.

.

We sledded like crazy down this amazing hill/gorge thing across the street almost every day. The big mishap (amazingly enough there was only one) was a broken leg on a 4 year-old.

The verdict: Sledding is fun, a cast is not.

Now THAT is a sledding hill.

Good thing there was no motorized rope tow. That LONG walk up the hill was the only leverage we had to get the kids home.

Isn't this view to die for??

The mountains aren't too shabby either.

All in all we stayed up too late, ate too much, laughed too hard, played way too much RockBand and Rummikub and realized just how blessed we are to have been able to spend this Holiday with family.

Christmas 2009 is declared a success!