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Well Tia you are forgiven.  I forgive you because you make me such CUTE things!!! I now want to put a "tie" on all the boys shirts.  I love it.  Lou was the best dressed kindergartner at school, so fun.  Well it was my father-in-law's birthday today so we went out to eat to celebrate.  I do not have a recipe for you but I do have a treat.  When I walked out of the office today late, ugh the life of a retailer, I was mesmerized by the sunset.  It was beautiful.  So I called my professional photographer husband and asked him to snap a picture of the sunset to which he said, "why would I do that".... I was like umm... have you looked outside? to which he said... holy cow why didn't you call me sooner.... umm because I work in an office with no windows and didn't see the brilliant red/pink glow until I was walking out to my car.  Okay so I got off on a tangent but anyways I snapped a quick pic.  I know it isn't the best picture and doesn't begin to do it justice but I just had to share.  I may not live where I can stare at the beauty of the mountains all day long but I still get to see some pretty amazing sunsets.

It is supposed to get pretty chilly around these parts (hehe I'm practicing my NE talk) and I can't wait. (slight exaggeration)  I am excited to pull out the flannel sheets and down comforter.  Not excited to have to scrape my car windows every morning.  If C is lucky I might even start having to wear my penguin suit to bed :).  Love you lots!  Can't wait to hear about your Bible Study craft and "cookies".

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Alright I stink. I was annoyed when you didn't write me back right away and I did the same thing. I have no excuse I just forgot last night. Forgive me sister.
How was the drive home to Nebraska? I am sure it was fantastic, I mean the views are to die for ;) Have I told you that I love you?!
Yesterday I watched two girls so it was a busy morning and then I decorated all afternoon. Mr.I got Christmas boxes out on Sunday so they were ready for me! I just love Christmas. I love the decorations, giving presents, and definitely getting them ;), and who could forget the best part: driving around looking at lights.
I have also been out and about getting ready for my girls' night craft and cookie exchange for this Thursday. For some reason I got nominated to be in charge of girls' nights and it is a lot of pressure. Miss S has been my wingman on this and we went to JoAnns and Michaels and have 3 crafts ready to make. I will post about them when they are finished. Hopefully they turn out! I am making Grandma H's peanut butter balls for my cookie! YUMMO I can't wait to eat them up. We are having a prize for best tasting and looking. I hope I win one because I bought the prizes at Mama B's Hallmark and they are super cute :)
My craft for today is Tie shirts. I was a little worried when you called with the idea for Buffalo and Lou 2 days before I was coming out and I had to figure out how to make them. But they did turn out! I had plenty of extra fabric from the girls' skirts so I used each pattern and just hand drew on the wrong side a tie shape. Mr.I helped me figure out how long to make them. Luckily, mom had iron on tape (and GAC was willing to iron) and we used that to put the ties on the shirts. All done! So easy and cute :)  You have such great ideas!

LOVE YOU!

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I know I know... I was supposed to write this to you yesterday but I had one of those moments.  You know how I can get.  I was so sad that you had to go back to CA.  It seems harder and harder to say goodbye to you.  Maybe it is because Little One is so "stinkin' cute", or that I am just not sure when I will get to see you again now that I live even farther away.  I just needed time to be sad.

C is driving us home as I write.  Man I love that I can be blogging on a normally miserable 5 hour trip.  It is totally helping the time fly.  So the other day Mama T brought a cake into work for a special treat and MAN was it good so I asked her for the recipe to which she gladly emailed me right away.  The next time you are in charge of treats for something you should take this.  I don't know if it was the walnuts or what but it almost reminded me of our fav poppy seed bread.  Oh and did I mention it is SUPER easy.  So the name Mama T didn't have a name for it so I made one up.  You know how in our family our favorite game is "Guess the Secret Ingredient".  Well this cake hides the pineapple so well that most people couldn't figure out what was in it so I have given it the Secret Ingredient Cake name.  I can't wait to make this for M&M I think it just might stump them.

Secret Ingredient Cake2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 can crushed pineapple
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1 cup crushed walnuts

Mix all the ingredients together.  Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and at bake 350° for 40-45min.  Frost with cream cheese icing when cooled.

Hope you enjoy!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the skirt you made for Quinnie and the tie shirts for the boys were amazing.  You are so crafty!  I had so much fun with your family.  Can't wait till we can party again!

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Oh Kiki, I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to write you back. Tuesday I had my big test, thank the Lord it is finished! Then I was up all hours of the night making YOUR childrens outfits for our family pictures and YOUR friend some adorable burp cloths. I have to say everything turned out quite amazing. Wednesday I definitely had time to write, but we just got in to see the family and then YOU brought out your huge box of jewelry to go through and the time just got away from me. So sorry love! BUT I AM HERE! It is so much fun to be in mom and dad's little house with it full of family. I just miss you all. Right now I am relaxing, eating some yummy food while you are slaving away on your rolls (they better turn out fabulous), LL is slaving away making mashed potatoes, and mom is slaving away making pineapple souffle. I hope you girls have time to sit and relax and cheer on the Pack! ;)

Well here is a picture of the adorable burp cloths I made. I have to say that they are my favorite ones I have made so far. I made the flannel section way bigger than normal and I love it! I hope your friend enjoys them.

Alright I am off to see if anyone needs any help or maybe I will just sit by GAC and enjoy a drink, yup I think that is what I will do ;) I am thankful for you! HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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YOU ARE BACK!!!! I am so excited.  I have missed picking up the phone and being able to call you at random times throughout the day.
I love the craft.  It makes your crystal POP.  Love it.  I am thinking you need some sort of wreath to hang.  I like using different shapes so the opening is square so you need something with rounded corners you know.  I am sure you can come up with something creative... oh yeah and since the stone is rough you need something smooth you get it.  I know I am a genius.  Can't wait to see what you come up with.
Well it has gotten COLD here in NE.  I mean when I drove the kids to school this morning it was 20 degrees.  Seriously cold.  And when it gets cold there is only one thing that can warm me up, soup.  So I made a family favorite; Taco Soup.

Not only does it taste delicious the minute you make it I swear it keeps getting better and better.  I think most soups do this and maybe that is why I like eating soup so much in the winter.  Instant lunches!

Taco Soup
1 lb hamburger
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 32 oz whole tomatoes
1 32 oz kidney beans, drained
4 cans tomato soup

Brown meat, add all ingredients, simmer 1 hr or put in crockpot and cook all day on low.

Garnish:  Cheese, Sour Cream, Fritoes

My favorite part - Lou says "oh yeah mommy the chips are the best part"... so true so true.

I have been working overtime this week so we can leave super early on Wed to get out to see you sooner.  I can't wait.  I feel like a kid on Christmas.  Thanksgiving can't come soon enough.

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Kiki I have missed you!!! I loved reading your notes and laughing at all your craziness! I get to see you in 4 days! Oh I cannot wait to be in CO with everyone. Little One has a ton of warm clothes already packed (yes I am excited and ready).
Last week was so much fun. Puerto Vallarta is beautiful! We only went into town one night, we mostly sat at the pool. But that one night was awesome! Our taxi driver took us to a tequila tour. It was this small local tequila plant and man was it good! The guy gave us each at least 7 shots and that stuff was so smooth!  They had all kinds of flavored tequila and it tasted like a mixed drink. Yummo you would have loved it. Mr.I's parents bought him 2 bottles for his birthday (they don't sell it anywhere else). We got a regular gold and an amaretto flavored one! Too bad you don't live close so you could come over for happy hour ;(
Little One had a blast in the water everyday. Oh my gosh Little One's present to me has gotten worse. That little stinker and throwing her head back when she is tired! I can't even hide the black eye with makeup! I can't believe she gave me one! I am sure everyone looks at me and thinks I am abused or something hahaha
Mr. I thinks it is pretty funny, he made me ice it this morning and hopefully that will help.  I am definitely glad to be home though. There is nothing like crawling into your own bed after a week of not having it. I am sure you know what I mean ;)
Today I have done laundry, studied, and fixed up my buffet cabinet! Lately, I have been thinking it needed something more. I LOVE the way it turned out, Mr.I did a fabulous job, but it seemed too white. SO I remembered I had extra fabric from when I was going to do some valances! The fabric was perfect so I asked Mr.I if he would be okay if I put it behind the shelves. He told me as long as it could come down whenever we sell down the road. I used double stick tape, measured out the width and length, and voila my makeover is complete! I had originally wanted a fun pattern, but I really like how this turned out, plus I didn't have to purchase a thing! Best craft ever! Now Kiki help us think about the middle. Mr.I thought maybe having a wine rack under the middle shelf or I thought some kind of sign hanging down. We just aren't sure if it is too bare. What do you think?

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Tia on vacay... day umm I lost track but it's alot.  Well I didn't accomplish anything big today.  I didn't cook a gourmet meal, or hand make Christmas presents.  C had to work and so it was me and the monsters on our own.  What did we do you ask?  We had cinnamon rolls for dinner, sunny d, and watched Ramona & Beezus on HBO.  Overall it was a great night.  I did help Lou camouflage his turkey (a turkey ninja ever heard of one?) to take to school tomorrow.  I was pretty creative considering we don't have any school supplies in the house, good thing I had some dry erase markers in my work box and some red yarn.  Perfect improvising... and every ninja needs a sword (insert toothpick wrapped in aluminum foil).  DONE and DONE.

I got a kick out of your email.  Can't wait to see picks from Mexico and the nice present Little One gave you (wink wink).

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Tia on Vacay day 3....  Today I got crafty.  You're gonna be so proud.  Awhile back I stumbled upon this great tutorial to make your own pretend make-up.  Cha-ching.. Christmas presents!  So I got busy on Little One's present since we will be seeing you guys in like... a week!!! woohooo!!!!
Pretend Make-Up

Source: smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Mine doesn't look quite as good.. but I'm hoping once it dries it will.  I think this will be a hit. C didn't quite get what I was doing and kept asking why I thought this was a good idea and how I would be the one to pick up after Quinnie when she figured out how to make a mess.  I said... it's pretend there is no way she can make a mess out of this.  As soon as those words came out of my lips I knew that I had just jinxed myself.  My fingers are crossed though.

And just so I don't get any upset calls from Grandma H her ankle is not swollen and she is walking just fine on it.  She is currently laying under the covers in my bed very nicely hoping I don't notice and shoo her off to bed.  Nice try Quinnie Mommy needs her quiet time.

Oh and it SNOWED today!  The first snow of the season that stuck to the ground... I don't know if I'm ready for winter.  However, I am ready to bring out the chunky sweaters and big socks (Bye-Bye Birdie kind).  Well gotta tuck my monsters in bed. Love ya!

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Tia on vacay .. day 2... Well I just have to tell you, my hubby might not take me to Mexico but he is an AMAZING chef.  Oh man, tonight he made me a Carino's favorite, Chicken Scallopini.  We truly miss our favorite restaurant, Carinos Italian.  It has the best home-cooked, country style Italian food ever.  Their happy hour is to die for.

We don't have a Carino's in NE, I think the one by mom and dad's in CO is the closest so when we get a craving now it is up to us to try and replicate our favorites.  As I was sitting down to dinner with my very expensive glass of box wine, thanks Nena and Poppa, Lou stated, "this is a very fancy meal mom"... I started laughing as I looked over at the stove to see C slaving away cooking our dinner.  But the slaving paid off: dinner was a hit. 

C googled Chicken Scallopini and took a little bit from this recipe and a little bit from that recipe and came up with his own creation.  Holy moly, Mr.C I love this, can I just say, heavy cream, fried chicken, bacon, and oh yeah, butter... need I say  more?  (check out Copykatchat.com/recipe-requests/46747)  Anyways we had a great night.

Lou and Quinnie started playing together. I know crazy, must have been the food.  And they were having a great time until I think Lou may have karate chopped Quinnie's ankle and she couldn't put any pressure on her foot.  I know, I know Mr. I probably would have taken Little One to the doctor but this brings me to parenting tip 102: TELL ME IF IT STILL HURTS IN THE MORNING.  I mean really what can they do now other than charge me $1500 to tell me its just a bruise and she'll be fine.  So if it still hurts and is swollen, and she can't walk then maybe I'll take her to the clinic to get checked out.  Do you know how many pairs of shoes I can buy for $1500... seriously.

Hope you are still enjoying Mexico.... It is almost Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!  hugs and kisses.  Kiki

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Oh Tia I miss you this week.  I have such stories to tell you.  Tia on VACAY... day 1.  So this weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving with C's side of the family.  I love his aunt so much!! She is the BEST!  She made the most amazing ham balls ever.  Oh yeah sista you read that right.  Ham balls.  I should have snapped a picture but I was stuffing them in my mouth so fast they kind of disappeared. heehee.  (Slight exaggeration I had like 2.. okay okay maybe 4.)  Recipe to come, she promised.  Your gonna love them (well maybe Mr. I will love them more but they are delicious)!

So the big boys went hunting and we girls just happened to be driving in the middle of nowhere and spotted to bucks.  The boys met up with us and the hunting experience began.  I couldn't really avert my eyes I was so into it... until C's cousin took a shot and the buck (aka Bambi) went down.  I gasped, Shan gasped, and Nena began to then tell us a step by step on what happens next.  Fortunately Quinnie was to busy watching Little Mermaid to comprehend what was happening.  The shot wasn't a killing shot so we had to watch Bambi drag himself to his final resting place.  To which point I told Shan I had to leave.  So I can now check killing a deer off my bucket list.  The boys thought it was the coolest thing to have a huge buck in the back of the pickup.  They all got up there and touched the antlers.... ugh... I stood back with the other mommies blubbering away about how terrible it was to see poor Bambi die, oh us city girls.  So that was my weekend.  More to come throughout the week.  Hope you are soaking up the sun for me.

Hugs and Kisses.

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Kiki!! I am writing you from sunny Puerto Vallarta :) It is absolutely beautiful here. The resort we are staying at is HUGE! There is a little water park area for kids, so Little One is having a blast. The only problem is she is not a fan of sleeping in the packNplay at night ;( Oh well small price to pay to be here! Sadly I have no picture to show you because I am nervous I will get charged an outrageous price on my phone for uploading it. So you can use your imaginiation. There are more than 5 hotels on the resorts property and when we want to check out another pool or go to the gym(I mean who wants to work out on vacation.. oh all right I did run yesterday so I could say I 'worked out') they shuttle you around in golf cart buses. Pretty funny! So far we have not gone into town. We have just lounged at the pool and ordered room service up to the room that is bigger than our house! No Joke (okay not that big, but you the picture).
Wishing you were here, but so excited to see you next week! I don't know how we will be able to make dresses for all of us in one day! Sorry Kiki but you might just be dreaming in color. I will try if you buy the fabric ;)
LOVE YOU LOTS!!

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I just need to get it off my chest, I am so jealous that you are away on a fabulous family vacation.  While you are sunning in Mexico I am here sitting in NE trying not to blow away.  Oh what a charmed life you live Tia.  (I know I know, slight exaggeration.)  Anyways, we are doing NE Thanksgiving this weekend and I am so excited about 1 thing in particular.  Nena's famous dinner rolls.  Oh goodness they are so yummy.  I made her let me take pictures of her baking today so that I maybe could replicate these again for our Thanksgiving.  (I tried and failed miserably last year, I'll blame it on the altitude.)  So here goes:

Nena's Famous Dinner Rolls

2 packages dry yeast

1/2 C warm water

3/4 C milk

1/2 C sugar

1/2 C oil

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

5 C flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water.  Scald milk.  Add sugar, oil and salt to milk.  Stir to dissolve.  Add eggs and 2 1/2 C flour; beat with mixer until smooth.  Spoon n other 2 1/2 C flour, knead 3 min.  Let rise until doubled.  Form into rolls and let rise again.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Kneading

Quinnie had to get in on
the kneading too

It GREW.. double in size

Forming into rolls

These are the best!  You'll love them.

I love love love the Christmas skirt.  SO cute.  I am positive that we need matching skirts for family pictures.    Maybe when you come out here we can do a craft together.  I'll try to remember to bring my sewing machine.  Maybe you can teach me to use it... heehee.  Nena did tell me that she will teach me to knit.  So maybe by the time we see each other I will have a few hand-made goodies for you!  

Now don't worry about getting me anything to expensive in Mexico.  Just a little souvenir will do, since I've never been there and all.  Heehee.  Put plenty of sunscreen on Little One.  Tell Mr.I "Don't drink the water". 

Love you guys.  

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Oh Kiki, you make me giggle. Thanks for that funny picture :) I don't think I have anything funny to tell you, sorry. Today was just another day of Little One and her buddy playing all morning. They were so cute today. They were in her room for almost 45 minutes playing with her stuffed animals and the wagon Great Grandpa H made. I loved it!  Then we went to Grandma B's store to buy Quinnie part of her Christmas present! It is so cute, I can't wait for her to see it. The girls were hilarious in the store, they were running all over mesmerized by all the Christmas decorations. Other than that, I spent today cleaning, and getting last minute things together for the big trip tomorrow. Oh AND I made Little One her Christmas skirt! I am excited to make Quinnie one when I get home so I can bring it to CO and they can match for our family pictures. I found the tutorial on pinterest. You can find it here It was so simple and for a first time of making something other than a blanket pretty great job, if I say so myself.

Now I just need to buy her some brown boots and the outfit is finished :) Maybe you could throw that out to Mom that the girls need cute boots to wear ;) That's your job, okay? Love you lots and my next letter will be telling you how much fun we are having in Mexico!

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You do seem to have a crazy life even though you are a fun little stay at home mommy.  I think you just need to do what I do to make things a little more manageable.  Find something to giggle about each day.  Laughing really is the best medicine.  So here is what I was giggling about today.  You might not be able to see this very clearly but let me tell you what it says.  


Care Instructions  "Impregnating the garment before you wear it for the first time...."  Okay that is funny stuff.  Especially when it is almost Friday and you were sick with the stomach flu for a day and you are feeling a little behind and well lets just face it your somewhat immature.  OH man.  You should have heard all of us.  So what are you going to giggle about today to relieve some of your stress?  I'll tell you what also made me laugh.... when I was on the  phone with you and you said, "no you may not play in the street"... ha ha that is some funny stuff.

I love the ear warmers and who knows maybe you will inspire me to learn to knit.  Aunt Shan is here this weekend so maybe the two of us can learn together while we let the monsters, I mean children, play.  I wish I were going with you on your trip but so counting down the days until you get here!!!

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Wow, crazy weekend! So sorry it ended in the stomach flu ;( Not to be mean, but it does make me feel a little better that I wasn't there ;) Are you feeling better today? I hope so!
I know that I stay home and you would think I have all the time in the world, but I have just felt like I can't catch up lately. Every week there seems to be new things that need to get done. I have a huge list that needs to get done by Friday night so that we can leave on our trip and I can relax because when I get home I will only have 2 days, plus my HUGE test and we are off to CO. Today while Little One took her nap I should have studied or tried to knock some things off my list. What did I do instead, you ask. I knit Little One an ear warmer for CO. I figured she will need it because it will be cold and it will look cute for family pictures :) Oh and while I knit I watched some shows. I am horrible! I have no one to blame but myself for my stress! I have a problem. I know I do, but I just can't stop!
AND I want to make Little One this skirt for Christmas and bring it for her to wear for the pictures C is taking of us and I can't find the fabric! AUGH! No wonder my hives have returned! Okay I am on a mission to find that fabric (have I mentioned I should be studying) wish me luck. I know Dad, there is no such thing as luck so pray for me!
I will leave you with the adorable ear warmer I made. I would write out the pattern but you choose not to learn to knit :( For now enjoy looking at it, but I will put up the pattern sometime and you will make it :) LOVE YOU

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I know I know.  You are made at me because I didn't write you last night.  I am so sorry, but I guarantee you that I was totally out of it and couldn't even turn on my computer if I had willed myself to do so.  I got the stomach flu.  Ugh.  And on my birthday to boot.  I spent my birthday sitting in the bathroom praying for death (okay slight exaggeration but you get my drift).  I hate throwing up.  Oh man I haven't thrown up that much since I had morning sickness for 3 months with Buffalo.  It was beyond miserable, and it sounds like out of everyone who got sick I didn't have near the worst of it (thank you Jesus, I just might not have survived.. okay okay again slight exaggeration).  Not only did I get it but so did Buffalo, my friend Mama T, her daughter L, Casey Lou, Dad, Mom, Auntie M, and the list goes on.  Let me just take you throw Sunday and then maybe you'll have pity on me for my late post.  So 11 ish Quinnie had an accident in the bathroom.  I mean #2 from floor to ceiling.  (yeah yeah exaggeration but it was pretty bad) So there I was on my hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom. I felt so bad for the little thing.  She was a sack of potatoes who just wanted to be held.  Sweet Mama T cuddled her up while I was cleaning and packing up the car for our trip back home.  About 30 min. into the trip in the middle of nowhere I said "oh man I got tummy troubles".  Honestly I thought I was going to have to pull over and pop-a-squat any where but of course there are no trees lending any sort of privacy in Eastern CO, fortunately for me we came upon a rest stop.  Mama T couldn't stop laughing at me and my little predicament.   Should have known right then that this was not going to be a fun trip.  After our little detour to the rest stop we got going, I felt much better after that and we started to make up time.  About at the NE border a deer leaped out in front of us and I nearly hit the thing.   Mama T and I screamed the kids all laughed and asked if we could do it again, I had swerved big time to miss the antlers coming through my window, I know I know you aren't supposed to swerve but my instincts kicked in.  I think I missed that sucker by inches.  We stopped because Lou had to go to the bathroom and that usually means it is an emergency and I needed to calm my nerves.  After our 2nd stop we decided to stop in Ogallala for dinner, went to Wendy's sat in the drive through for what seemed like an hour and then it happened.  Mama T said she couldn't eat her tummy was rumbling.  Little did we know we were in for it.  About 30 min. after our stop Mama T said she had to get to a bathroom.  I stepped on the gas and got us to the next gas station as fast as I could.  And that is when it all went downhill.  That's when we knew she had the stomach flu.  We stopped at every rest stop we could and the rest of the trip home was just miserable.  I felt so bad for Mama T.  I dropped her and L off at their house and started to get a little queasy myself.  It was terrible.  I promptly started getting  the chills and throwing-up 2 hrs after I got home and didn't stop until the next day.  I have not been sick like that since M & M's wedding weekend, oh what fond memories.  I tell you what even though I got the stomach flu I still had a blast at my CO birthday party.  I don't know if Mom and Dad will invite us back we seem to always be sick, or get them sick when we come back from NE, I'm hoping they don't hold it against us. I snapped this picture while laying on my own "sick bed".  Buffalo had a nice little bed set up on the chair.  He is so cute even when he was up-chucking every few minutes.

I don't have any recipes for you, we haven't eaten in a few days.  I'll try and come up with something for you.  I love the headband.  Hope it will show up in my stocking this year, especially now that I live in such a cold place.  It would get a whole bunch of use!

Miss you!!

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I am so glad you had a great weekend! I was just cracking up after skyping with you girls. I even made Little One watch Meet Me In St.Louis with me this morning :) She loved all the singing. Thanks for the drink, I can't wait to make it. I am sure it will come in handy for my Thursday tv nights with S.
Today it rained cats and dogs here! I loved it! I mean, I was wishing for snow but at least it is cold now. I went for a run this morning and it started pouring right before I got home. Little One thought it was so fun that mommy was all wet. This week is another busy one with getting ready for our trip next week and then CO!! I am frantically trying to buy all our Christmas gifts so we can bring them with us. I am so excited for yours it's going to be hard to not see you open it!
My craft today is a headband/ear warmer I made for a friend's birthday. No I did not wear it before I gave it away. I actually made it too small so lucky me I get to keep it and I made a new one for her :)  I found the pattern here

When I finished it I was thinking hmm this does not seem right, but then you put it on it is super cute! I am telling you Kiki you would love to knit! Just You tube the basics. That is how I learned on a circular needle!  I think I miss you more each day because I know I am going to see you soon! I can't wait!

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I am missing you something terrible tonight.  We are celebrating my birthday and had a party.  It was way fun but just not the same without you here.  We started the party out right at went to my FAV jewelry store.  I was a little sad because I wasn't sure who all was going to show up.  Then I realized in all we had a party of 10.  I mean that is awesome, and in that tiny little store, I'm pretty sure we kept everyone entertained with our commentary.  I got some super cool presents.  (Thanks C).  After we shopped till we dropped, literally we went back to mom and dad's.  Mom set up QUITE a spread and even more people showed up for my party.  And then we ate till we popped.  Mom made a baked potato bar with chili, cheesy broccoli, chipped beef, bacon, and everything else you could possibly want on a baked potato.  It was so good.  I am stuffed just thinking about it.  And Quinnie only spilled 1 shirley temple on the kitchen floor.  I think that was pretty good considering there was my monsters, my friends daughter, and my niece and nephew were all there.  (Oh shoot I just remembered Lou spilled chocolate "room service" milk this morning).  But the absolute best part of the night was my signature drink.  You have got to try this recipe.  I know you aren't much of a wine drinker but this was amazing.

Burgundy Bubbler
1 1/2 C Orange juice
3 C Burgundy Wine
3 C Sparkling Cider
Pour 1/4 juice, 1/2 c wine in a cup.  Top with 1/2 C sparkling cider.  Serve Chilled.  SO GOOD....

Next year we need to celebrate together.  Can you ask Mr. I if he will let you come?  hehe.  Loved seeing little one.  She is so "stinkin cute".

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Alright, so I promise I have a great story as to why I did not post last night.  Around 4 I just started feeling blah and beyond tired. Maybe it had to do with two little girls inside all morning when it was raining out, just saying. I was supposed to have Bunco but I called at 5:30 and canceled(don't think they were too happy with me).  I told Mr.I when I put Little One in bed I was also going to go to bed...that is 7 and yes I did go to bed! Around 11 I awoke to crazy pains in my stomach. I think at first I was dreaming and then I woke and realized it was real. Weird! So what do you do when you have stomach issues, go see if you can fix them in the bathroom ;) I know sorry all who are reading, I won't say anymore. Well, the hurting was not going away so I was hunched over trying to breath deep and push through it(the pain that is). I was thinking how great it was that I have been through labor pains and learned my breathing techniques HA( seriously I was)! Next thing I knew I opened my eyes and I was looking up at the toilet. I FAINTED! Can you believe it! I have never fainted before. Luckily I had used my phone as a night light and called Mr.I. I asked if he had heard a thump  and he confirmed it and came running up to make sure I was okay. He thought I probably hyperventilated or something, and made me stay up for another hour and a half just in case because I had a bump on the top of my head! This morning my head hurts but okay :) What a crazy week, hives, shot with steroids because of hives, and then I faint and have a knot on the top of my head! Boo glad it's Saturday ;)
So how was your night? haha I am so sad you are with mom and I am not there. Have fun celebrating your birthday! I can't wait to celebrate at Thanksgiving and take you to see Breaking Dawn!!! That's right on me(you can pay for the food)!
My craft you helped make when you were here taking care of me during another crazy time in my life. But I did add to it :)

I got this idea from Lana's blog;
Straight from the Harts 
It is a drop cloth for painting! We went to homedepot picked one up for less than $10. We then went to a surplus fabric store and found some fun fabric to brighten it up and make it fit the door :) All we did was sew the fabric to the bottom and cut it for the right length. So easy! I had it with just the fabric on the bottom for a while but wanted something more. I remembered I had extra fabric in case I wanted to do another window. I decided instead to just sew it to the top of the curtain. I sewed the top and sides and left the bottom, that way it made the ruffle look :) I love it and I get so many compliments. So thank you for helping make it and thanks Lana for giving me the idea!

LOVE YOU KIKI and have fun going to Fine and Funky! So jealous over here in CA!

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Don't be mad.. the night got away from me yesterday, but I'll make up for it have I got a story for you.  You'll never believe my afternoon.  I was at work and got a call from C.  He had to work early (4).  I don't get done until 5 and I said hmm "did you figure something out for the monsters?" to which he replied "oh they'll just have to hang out in the car until you can come and get them"... Wait HOLD THE PHONE.... seriously.  I mean I am sure C was kidding BUT I also know that he could have been serious.  I left work got the monsters and did a swap with Nena, good thing she has a flexible schedule, and then headed back to work.  When I got back to work the girls were like "where did you go".  I told them the little scenario that C had laid out for me.  This got them all giggling because, well, my life is a little crazy as you know and while most people would never think of leaving their kids alone in a parking lot you just never know with me it just might happen... (OKAY it would NEVER happen but it is funny).  I've decided that since you get the Susie Homemaker award I'll just give you little snippets of my parenting techniques from time to time.  Like Mt.Dew in the morning... classic Kiki move! (oh I'll tell you all about this sometime soon)

Oh and guess who I saw this morning headed to work, the TURKEYS.  I guess they are still hanging around  I'll see if I can get a picture so you can see my friends.

A little picture of Quinnie poo.  And no she did not go outside like that but I thought it was cute.  I do make sure my monsters look adorable when they are seen in public.

We miss you!!!

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Oh Sister, I wish we could have taken the kids trick-or-treating together! I would have loved to see the monsters in person, but C's picture was great. Little One and I stayed in and handed out candy since we had already been trunk-or-treating. I think that is my favorite part of Halloween; handing out the candy :) Also, that way I don't eat all her candy! That mommy tax is a brilliant idea.
I am freaking out that in two weeks we will be in Mexico and then another and we will be in CO with the family!! Are you going to run the Turkey Trot this year?! That would be so fun! I have only run 2 miles since my accident so I will not be going fast ;)
Oh my goodness, so it was a friend's birthday yesterday and I knit her an ear warmer/headband (craft for another day). Little One and I took it to her today. Hilarious, the house started crazy smelling like cinnamon and my little one was being awfully quiet. I looked over and saw her rubbing her hands as if she had lotion on. I then noticed her hands were shiny. Miss L had an oil candle out on the table and little one got into it and rubbed it all over! I've been smelling cinnamon all night long! Crazy child!

My craft today is easy wall decor: I had two frames that were just blah and decided to make something fun. I spray painted them white and took out the glass. I bought the B at the craft store as well as the welcome sign (it was for a garden). Then I looked for some scrap fabric that I could cover the B with, hot glued it on, and bam my B was done with an added ribbon for a sweet touch ;) The welcome sign was long and pointed so I cut it and made it short and then hot glued it to the frame. 

3 WEEKS UNTIL I SEE YOU!