2012

Here it is...2012.

Celebrate it with Class, Style, and Grace.

May it bring you dreams and promises.

Prosperity too.

May the Lord Bless you, Keep you, and shine His favor upon you.

Happy New Year!

Sugar, flour, and Sprinkles!

Its that time of year for parties. I am such a huge fan of baking. I would rather bake than cook! Its such a pleasure to see the smile on friends and families face as they nibble...then inhale...the 'sweet" you have made. I had to laugh the other day. I asked my husband if I should make extra of something I was taking to a church party. His reply was..."babe, whatever you make is always loved and hardly anything left when its time to go." Yes, that made me feel good....OK REALLY good! LOL

So here are a few of the baking goods I have done over the last couple of weeks. Your opinions are valued!

I attended a Ladies Christmas tea. I used my StepGrandmothers recipe for Victorian Sponge Cake. She had taught me, a couple of years ago, how to turn the cake into cupcakes. Delicious! I tweaked it a little bit and well.....people now want the recipe LOL Not sure how often I will share it though!

I was privileged to be involved with the Christmas Children's skit this year. They were such Angels....Literally LOL It was all girls dressed as Angels and my little Mr. dressed as a lamb. I really wanted to make something special for them. They all worked so hard and did such a great job! I found a picture of these cute reindeer cupcakes. They looked so easy....and so I tweaked again. The kids loved them!

I always add a little more to my store bought cake mixes. So with this one I put about 2 teaspoons of Coco, a cap full of vanilla, and a couple of dashes of cinnamon.

Here are the toppings I needed. Again I always add, so this time I added about 3 teaspoons of hazelnut spread to my chocolate icing. Delsih!

and the finished product....

Lastly, I am showing the cookies I made with my Little Mr. two nights ago. It was his first baking experience. We had a blast! Yes, it was a huge mess in my tiny kitchen. But SO worth it! Even my stepson (the teenager who is too cool to do just about anything) joined in. So there I was, with two boys, decorating and laughing. Now that is what makes this the most wonderful time of the year!

If I don't get to say it later...

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS!!

Christmas through my Son's eyes....

Christmas has always been a season of excitement, beauty, and fun. I have so many wonderful childhood memories. I am realizing, now that I have my own little family, how much fun my parents would have celebrating with my brother and I.

My little "mister" is 2 1/2 and this year he is truly enjoying all the lights and decor of the season.  It really makes it so much more fun! Every where we go he is looking for "Christmas". Which usually compasses of Christmas trees and Lights decorating homes. He has learned a few songs....all by himself I might add (very proud momma). So very often when we are out shopping he will burst into "Zingle bells, zingle bells, all the way" or call out "Happy Holidays". I love it!

I decorated our little home. I have come to realize I am very much a traditionalist. I love reds and golds. So that is the base of my colors. As always, I have enjoyed decorating and creating as I go. I just wish Christmas celebrating was two months instead of one!!

Our tree. I love white and twinkling lights. The glow in the living room at night is so peaceful and festive.

Once again my fireplace is the main focal point. I love it!

Stockings hung by the chimney with care.

 

I reused this picture frame from my Fall/Harvest decor. I carefully laid red tissue paper as the background. Then I bought an adorable gift bag as the picture. It turned out great! Plus I didn't have to print out anything.  I considered cutting off the front of the bag so it would lay flatter in the frame. However I was being a bit lazy and didn't. It still looks great but if you want a more polished look, take time to cut the front of the bag off.

Did you see my little nativity set? That is only actually apart of a much bigger and magnificent decorated set that belonged to my mom. She gave it to me for my first "married" Christmas. I  have always loved it and spending the time to put it out with her. I wish I had more space for all the pieces but at least I can put the most important part out! So Thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ! He is the reason not just for the season but for every day and moment of my life.

He is here!!

Noah James Turley made his debut on Dec. 1st!!

I wish I could say I was there to have already held him and smothered him in kisses...(that's what we Aunties are supposed to do right?)....but unfortunately I live to far away to just be able to "pop" over. Thank God for Skype...text messages...and multimedia! I was able to see him and talk to him. My little Master of Destruction has been waiting anxiously to finally "meet" his first baby cousin. We have prayed for him often and he adorably calls him "his baby cousin Noah.' LOL (maybe it also helps that his two Favorite people in the world have given him his baby cousin Noah!)

I truly am happy for my brother and Sis-n-love. I remember many childhood "chats" with my brother about when we would one day have our kids. Well here it is! Its amazing and such a blessing. I am one very lucky Auntie!!

No not gone...

I am still here! I have just been very lazy in posting on my blog. I get to reading all the great ones out there. Get random new ideas and forget to blog on mine! LOL
So I am going to try harder and post updates on life, love, and ideas. It has been a blessed few days. So much going on to put a smile on my face.
Right now my whole family is anticipating the arrival of my nephew! He should be here any day. Its so exciting!! Still can't believe my baby brother is a daddy! He and my Sis-n-law are going to be great parents :-)
So I promise to be back and not get behind on keeping up the Chatter!

However I am not even sure anyone reads this thing LOL

Just one of those weeks....

 Well let me clarify it really hasn't been a terrible week. Just one when you want to get back in your pj's and drink one more cup of coffee. There have been moments of tearing my hair out to just keeling over in laughter.  Here is a list of the few:

1) I fried my laptop with milk from my cereal (sooooo stupid I know!)
2) My eldest son has been covered in hives for two days (this is a end of the world issue for a teen!)
3) I am fighting a cold AGAIN
4) My youngest decided to tattoo his body with (thank God washable) markers
5) I left for town, got were I needed to be, had to return home for my wallet
6) my youngest decides to entertain me while dancing on top of our new toilet paper rolls (hilarious!!)

Of course there are some random things that have gone on that I just have had to close my eyes and breathe. But first I am just grateful that though a weird and random week....Life is still good, we are very blessed, and God still remains to be faithful.
So one more day till Saturday. Lets see what it holds! LOL

Oh....and I love my hubby. He has ordered me a new laptop. He knows it would be TOO hard for me to not stay up with my Facebook snooping and Blog stalking ;-)

Finally Fall!

Sure enough, as soon as October 1st hit, Fall arrived. It is a beautiful transformation. Crisp mornings, soft rain, leaves changing into robust Autumn colors.........and finally me decorating my fireplace!

I was determined to make a difference this year.

Last year was such a toughie for us.

Counting every penny. No extra's for the Holiday's. Kinda makes a soul struggle to enjoy in the festive fun.

But the Lord is good....He never forgets a promise. He provides for His children. So this year I will rejoice in the goodness of the Lord.

Here is my finished product. I had so much fun. I made my pictures and used items from around the house. I also used different pumpkins to add variety.

A trip to Michael's and...."Whalah!"..... I made my first Wreath!

My pictures are homemade . I found and printed the leave trilogy and then made the big one from deco leftovers.

 I feel ready for Fall!! Now I am going to start going through my recipes. It's time to start baking :-)

Happy Fall Everyone!

Make Up Your Mind!

I live in California. This year has been a weird one, season wise that is. I love every season. Each change they bring or Holiday to prepare for. However, this year, so far, it has felt like one big long season. While everyone is getting ready to enjoy Fall....we are feeling the beginning of Summer. LOL They are called Indian Summers. I really need to look that up and found out the meaning. (some day!)

So while I really do want to start putting out pumpkins, make a Fall wreath, think of sipping cinnamon lattes....I instead, am feeling the ray's of the Sun and the cool breeze of my fan. Quite honestly I wouldn't have it any other way. I love California weather. Tomorrow it might be cooler or next week. Maybe October will be the month I start feeling like Fall....

Here is a picture I found while looking up Indian Summers....beautiful.....

Granma & DadDad

Last week my Parents drove from the Mid-West to come visit me......well it was more like they came to visit their grandchild! LOL. We had such a great time. Nothing too extravagant. Just traveled to close by places and sat around the house. Chatting, sleeping, and eating....now that's the life!
I was so happy to have them here. I don't know if you get like this....but I wanted everything perfect! Of course it never ends up being that way.  Oh well.....its our time together that counts!
Later I asked myself, why did I want, or need this perfection? My conclusion is...I just want my Mom and Dad to see I have grown up. That my life (far from magical) is actually turning out pretty good. That all those things they taught me (even the ones I didn't want to hear) have actually come in handy.
I am so very blessed today because of my parents. They have lived and worked for God for many years. There isn't a day that goes by that I know my Mom has prayed for me. I know I make it because of those prayers. These are treasures that mean more than anything. And can I say what AWESOME Grandparents they are!!
 

Love this one of my Mom and the Mister


Every morning, the Little Man, would run into my parents room and ask his "DadDad" to make the "ChooChoo's". So then you would see my Dad rebuilding a new track each day. Ever so faithfully, just to make his grandson happy. Love my Daddy!! My Mom was always sneaking chocolate to him. I have had a hard time reteaching him that chocolate is NOT breakfast, lunch, or dinner. LOL

If you are lucky to have parents like mine...then your life will always be rich!

Two-in-One

So here are a couple of things I have wanted to blog about. Things that make me smile.....

We have been in need of some new cushions for the couch and chairs in our living room. Last weekend my handsome hubby took me out to get some. I had had my eye on these certain ones at our local Home Goods. I LOVE that store. Every time I go, if I could,...I would leave with oodles of things! The pillows I had found have a flower on them. I loved them right away because I knew they would match my rocker.

  

My rocker is as old as me! Yep pretty "Vintage" LOL. It was given to my mother when I was born from my grandmother. My Momma sat in it to rock me to sleep when I was a "wee" one. (I can't believe I was ever "wee") So when God blessed me with my little bundle of ALL boy. I asked my parents for the rocker. It now sits in my living room. The new pillows really accent and bring all my furniture together. If you know the name of this flower let me know! (Chrysanthemum?)

 My second thing to make me smile is this:

As I have mentioned before, we live in an apartment. Not much space for anything. We have a nice little patio and this year I was determined to grow something! So splurged a little and bought a Topsy Turvy (you know the as seen on TV thingies) and a tomato plant. Its kinda funny actually but growing up I HATED tomato's. In the last couple of years I have grown to like them. I put them in just about anything now for added flavor. (See children you do grow up and like that icky food) 

So my little plant is sprouting! I have 3 tomato's growing! So excited :-) My little bundle of ALL boy has claimed the largest one as his. He will stand on a chair and say "Tha baby's ptmato!" I have promised him that as soon as it's ready he gets the first bite. 

I have a feeling he "isn't" going to like it LOL ...but I am really happy to be growing something and sharing it with him. He is a ball full of energy and laughter. We have lots of fun and little adventures together. (Like right now he is pouring water from his cup on my ottoman as I am trying to type this...time to go!)

Will keep you posted on our "First" Apartment Tomato!

TEA-otally Excited!

 A couple of nights ago, a beautiful friend at church came up to me and gave me a gift. She was so excited watching me open it. Over and over again she would say, "becareful!", "Its expensive!" I have to say this was making me nervous and worried....what if I didn't like it?!?!?
 Finally open, I was floored to find she had bought an antique teapot. She had found it at a thrift store. The reason she was so excited was....It was Wedgwood! She new how I love Wedgwood and HOW expensive it can be. I turned the pot over and found this inscription;

 "Replica of the Wesley-Wedgwood Teapot. The original in Wesley's House, City Road, London, England. Made by Josiah Wedgwood 1761. Reproduced by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons Ltd. Etruria, England 1908. For Mrs. Anna Onstott Princeton, Indiana, USA." 

I was so excited when I read this. First  because it was copied from John Wesley's teapot...who was the earthly hero of my English Grandfather. My Grandfather was a devoted UPC minister in the UK. Helping to found a few churches and bringing it to what it is today. He passed away in 2008 and his funeral was held in the Methodist church in Bilston, England where John Wesley had preached. My grandfather had actually preached there too. My friend had no idea about this or that this teapot would hold these memories for me. 

Inscribed on either side of the teapot are prayers that John Wesley would have his ministers say every day:

We thank thee Lord for this our food
But more because of Jesus blood
Let manna to our Souls be given
The bread of Life sent down from Heaven

Be present at our Table Lord
Be here and everywhere ador'd
These creatures blefs & grant that we
May feast in Paradice with thee

 When I got home that night I began researching everything I could find on the internet about the teapot. It has a very neat little history. I will put up a couple of links for you to see. My teapot is not from 1908. I was able to decipher it's code. It is from 1970. Just over forty years old. There are a limited amount made. My friend was so right. This was not a cheap gift. I think she paid about $20 for it but after researching I found they sell for over $100.

I feel so blessed that she gave it to me. She was tempted to keep it LOL! I don't blame her. However, this little teapot is a special treasure to me. Not only because of its meanings...but because she gave it to me out of love.
The Bible teaches us to be friendly if we want to have friends. My life is blessed with some really great ones!

I now need to convince my husband I need a Curio Cabinet for Christmas ;-)

Here are the links of its history that I promised:

Wesley teapot History
Anna Onstott

Living in a Shoe box

You know the Nursery Ryhme....

                     There was an old woman who lived in a shoe.
                    She had so many children, she didn't know what to do;
                    She gave them some broth without any bread;
                    Then whipped them all soundly and put them to bed.

    Well I am hardly "Old" and don't have multiple children that I "Whip" .....but I "DO" feel like my home is probably the shoebox to her old shoe!
    We live in an apartment. While it is much bigger than some.........I still don't like how you can turn once and be standing in 3 rooms at the same time. Its a dining-live-kitchen room!
   A year ago we were hit by the downturn of the economy. I am a stay at home mom, so these walls are what I pretty much stare at every day.  I would want to redecorate because of all the tempting magazines or home make overs I'd see. But with out the dough....you just can't make bread! (like my little joke? Hey the old woman didn't have bread either!) I began to move things around. Clean out cupboards. Just simply get rid of things I was hanging on to for just the right moment to use. Seriously....when do those right moments really come? I really changed my outlook from what I wanted.... to what I just needed..

One of the "places" I started to redo was my fireplace. Our apartments don't encourage you to paint walls. Plus I am never sure when it is time to renew our lease, if we will be staying. (3yrs and still counting LOL) So I haven't braved the painting part yet. But.....I wanted to add color to my fire place and symmetry. So I began to look at what I had to use and re-purpose. Then I began to hunt for a mirror. I looked every were but everything I wanted was over $50!! (remember not much dough here) One Sunday afternoon, we decided to eat at our favorite Vietnamese restaurant. Its next to a Good Will. (Yay!) God Bless my hubby because he allowed me to drag him in after. There tucked in a corner was a beautiful, Old, Heavy, mirror!!!! Its was $14!! Exactly what I had been searching for. It had been waiting for me very patiently.  When we got home it went up right away. 

   So right now my proud point is my fireplace. I love how it turned out. I love how I used things that have meaning. Things that are antique-ish yet classy. I look at it and see..."Yay I did it! I do have some creativity!"
I look at it and see a lesson learned.

There is still things for me to "Change"..........but I love my little Shoebox/Home.