It's a Very DI Valentines Day

Look at what I made for Valentines day from some paper and a frame I got at DI for $1.50 ! I'm toying with the idea of doing my Valentines day count down that I did last year. We'll see if I get inspired.

Here it is Before:

Here we have it after:

All you cupcake haters can just shut it down... love them and I'm not ashamed!

My "New" Phone...

Here's what my phone looked like before Julia fancied it up for me as a Valentine's Day gift. (above)


Here is what it looks like now. Did I mention that all the little crystals are fused to the phone? I smell an i phone in my future!

Valentines Day

There's a small chance that I got a little carried away with the heart shaped food this Valentines day. I'm not sure why I was feeling so domestic or so romantic for but here's what I made. Who ate all of this Valentiny goodness you ask? See #4.

#14: I *heart* my Valentine.

Here he is in all of his many phases! He's been shaving off his beard this
week and is finally down to just long sideburns. I love you Lowell!

#13: I *heart* Home!

I'm finally ready to admit it-- I really like Utah! I know...it only took 19 years! I moved here from California 19 years ago this June. How is that even possible? I love the mountains, the desert, the weather, the people, the shopping--everything. I never thought it would happen but it has! I *heart* Utah!

#12: I *heart* Monster Love

Isn't this guy too cute for words?

I realized this year when I didn't make any new years resolutions that something was holding me back. I'd been setting and not keeping the same resolutions for almost 20 years...it gets insanely boring and exhausting but somewhere in my mind I felt like I couldn't move on to other goals until I'd beaten down that handful of stuff that has been eluding me now for 2 decades. So I just scrapped the 'lose weight-read my scriptures every day-stick to the budget' resolutions and went for something I actually wanted to do! One of them was paint a picture...so here it is: Monster Love!

#11: I *heart* a Brainiac

Piper is one brilliant kid. In January she and Lowell worked really hard on her science fair project. She made an electric generator, of course Lowell helped and over saw the whole thing but she did all the work. She learned how to use power tools and all kinds of cool gadgets. She presented her project to the judges at school, answered questions from them about the process of building and testing her theories. She was amazing. The 5th grade teachers had her come and present it to the whole 5th grade. Good one Piper!

#10: I *heart* a Big Ham

At our house that would be Julia!  I know you've seen this before but admit it--you want to see it again!

#9: I *heart* 'Mama'!

Every single one of my kids has spoken the word 'Dada' at about 8 months old--much to Lowell's pleasure. 'Mama' is usually not far behind but Hazel Jo has really made me work for this one--she is over 16 months old! She finally said 'Mama'! She even popped up with something that sounded suspiciously close to "Hi Mom" a few days ago. She'll even say it when you ask her to. I am so happy! I know once they learn it they never (ever) stop saying it BUT for the moment I'm thrilled!

#8: I *heart* Adoption

I know several of you have been blessed by adoption as we have. I recently read an article on Blissfully Domestic about 'real mommys' and I wanted to do a post on it. Here's a conversation I have regularly with Chloe who is adopted:

Chloe: Mom! Ask me who Amy is!
Me: OK, who is your birth-mom?
Chloe: AMY!
Me: Right! Who is your birth-dad?
Chloe: Steven!?
Me: Yep! Who is your real mom?
Chloe: You!
Me: Who is your real Dad?
Chloe: Daddy! Ask me again mom, ask me who Amy is.

I'm aware that she doesn't really understand any of this yet but it was something I wanted to work in from a very young age to normalize the idea that she has 2 sets of parents. Adoption is such a rich and layered blessing-I feel so lucky to have been able to have the experience! Thanks Laura!

#7: I *heart* Muffin Tops

I'm talking about real muffin tops today--not the other muffin tops!

I may have mentioned a time or two that I love The Lazy Organizer--I kind of have a girl crush on her. She made the most beautiful muffins I have ever laid eyes on and I have been trying to reproduce her recipe for a few weeks now. I got fresh blueberries a few days ago and I finally got the muffin tops I'd been looking for!

#6: I *heart* Baking Soda

Do you have any idea how useful baking soda is? This stuff is amazing and I use it for everything! The best part is that it's recession friendly--you can get 12 pounds of it at Sam's Club for under $6.oo!

#5: I *heart* New Music

This video is so creative and unique--it's worth leaving the comfort of your google reader to come on over and view it. Sorry about the short ad on the front of it but again...worth it. Cool song, really great video.

Have any new music you really like? Leave me a comment and tell me about it. I'm always scouring the itunes music store for good new music. (PS to Laura: No 50 cent please ;))

#4: I *heart* Lime and Salt Pop Corn

If you haven't tried this stuff I suggest that you do. It's yummy and not too limey or weird...it's a fun twist on an old favorite! Can you tell that I am obsessed with food? 3 of 4 days have been dedicated to food!

#3: I *heart* Honey Crisp Apples

Have you tried these? In Utah you can get them at some grocery stores, I know that Sun Flower market has a good price on them. They are pretty expensive but they are worth it! I used to be a Fuji apple girl but now I am converted to Honey Crisp. They are lighter and--oddly less sweet than Fujis. They are so crisp it makes you want to weep! Go buy some!

#2: I *heart* Blogging

I love blogging and I love these little guys who tell it like it is. I have nothing to say but boy am I glad you're here to read it! Thanks for stopping by!

#1: I *heart* Cupcakes

I know cupcakes are trendy right now but I am on the bandwagon! They are such a cute, fun medium for a creative outlet. Does this mean I will be making some anytime soon? Ummm...no. BUT, they make me happy and so here they are on my February 2009 list of 14 Things That Make Me Happy! Silly? Yes. I make no apologies.