Frost Your Party

Premier Jewelry

2013-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

My 30th Birthday!

2013-01-29T07:00:00.001-08:00

For my 30th birthday, I wanted nothing too extravagant. I simply, just wanted to be with my family and celebrate my wonderful life (I really do have a wonderful life). I am so blessed.
Phillip told me he wanted to bake a cake for me and asked me what flavor I wanted. WHAT!!!! How sweet. Especially because he doesn't bake. I told him that I would go with him to check what flavors they had at the store. He turned and said "what do you mean flavors? Don't you add the flavor?" Here is proof! He is clueless in the kitchen when it comes to baking, but he is amazing on the grill!!!! Anyway, I explained that you can buy boxed cake mix and add a few ingredients and stir it up and throw it in the oven. Easy, Peasy!!! Hahaha! Poor guy had no clue! He said "I just planned to follow a recipe, I mean, how hard could it be?" Well ok husband, I will think of a cake flavor and give you a recipe.
I searched the net and was hooked on the title... ORANGE POPPYSEED CAKE!!! After printing the recipe I searched for a whipped topping. I love anything with lavender so I picked out a lavender vanilla whipped topping, and printed that recipe too. After scanning the recipies I realized that it was CRAZY HARD! The recipe was from Australia so they had quite a few terms that I didn't recognize. Plus the measurements were not our traditional measurements. I handed it over and watched him read it. He was there for just a minute and then off to the store.
I was beginning to feel bad that I gave him such a hard recipe to follow so I called him and let him know that it was really hard and I would help him bake it. He assured me that he could do it.
He came home and started on it right away. I would peek over his shoulder every once in a while just to see if he was doing fine. But, he would send me away until about the 9th time he banned me from entering the kitchen. I managed to snap this photo from afar. LOL!

Wow! Did he ever surprise me with his mad baking skills. The cake was amazing. I seriously couldn't believe I had a pro- baker living with me this whole time. Do you know how many cakes I have made in the last few years. His secrets out now... he is baking the cake next time.

I was one happy ~~30 year old~~ girl.

It tasted even better than I had imagined. It was perfect texture and the combination of flavors were having their very own party in my mouth with each bite I took.

After we ate cake he took the kids and I out to eat. I picked Azuma this year. He was surprised since I usually either pick The Melting Pot or St. James Tea Room for my birthdays.

When we came home and put the kids to bed I broke out my delicious cake again and had another slice.

Then I cozied up by with a fire and caught up on some reading.

What a perfect day! Simply hanging out with my favorite people. What a lucky girl I am. I have the best hubby. You may think you do... but I know for sure I do :-)

Check back tomorrow for the recipe for this yummy cake... Orange Poppyseed cake with a Lavender Vanilla whipped topping.

Valentines Day Fish Bag Tags

2013-01-28T07:00:00.001-08:00

Here are my valentines bag tags. You can purchase the template to print at my Etsy Shop.

The Elmo show!

2013-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

When uncle Gabe came home for the holidays he asked if he can take Makena to see Elmo, since we wanted to see her, see Elmo, we went too. It was so much fun! Makena is in love with her uncle Gabe so of course she talked about how HE took her to see Elmo.
Thanks Gabe for setting everything up. We had sooooo much fun!

Both kiddoes were completely entertained! Do you see Andrews little face in the background?

I think we got photo bombed in the background. LOL!

Makena wanted to sit with Uncle Gabe and his friends Godson.

I had to show this picture... When Andrew wants something, he doesn't cry, scream, whine, etc... Instead he tilts his head back to look at my face to get my attention. I love this boy so much!

See you back here on Monday!!!

Polar Express Train Ride 2012!

2013-01-24T07:00:00.001-08:00

This was such a fun adventure! We had a few friends that make a trip up to Durango every year before Christmas and they come back telling us nothing but wonderful things. They would tell us how priceless their children's faces were when they saw that train billowing forward. So, of course we have been so excited about taking Makena when she was old enough.

I was excited to visit and stay with my cousins out there. They were such great hosts. Thank you guys!

We prepared Makena for this trip ahead of time. We played the movie and read her the book a million times before we went. We talked about the significance of the bell and told her that she was going to be given the best hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookie ever! She was soooo excited!

Here we are at Ken and Sue's restaurant. We loved it there! The staff was so friendly and even though it wasn't really a "child friendly" restaurant.

We saw so many wild deer just wondering free in everyone's yards. Here is a a whole herd. Can you imagine waking up every morning and looking out your window and seeing a deer on your front lawn.

Makena posing by a "choo choo train"

Her hair was so wild and crazy after she pulled out her hair ties. She was such a hot mess!

Do you see the REAL reindeer behind us. It was a mommy and and her baby... and here I am, a mommy, with my baby.

We wanted to get a closer look at them... apparently she did too!

We went back to get our jammies on so that we can board the train just like they did in the movie. Makena wore her new jammies that she had picked out from the store and she was way to excited about that.

Here is andrew in his jammies, however, I accidentally left his christmas jammies back home. he was wrapped up most of the time so it was fine.

On the way to the Polar Express, we spotted this doe and HUGE buck roaming someone's front yard.

He got is rack caught in some grass.

Here comes the train!!!!....

I wish I would have been able to capture Makena's surprised face, but I couldn't stop myself from tearing up and while I was wiping my eyes I missed her cute face she was making. You can still see her cute face here covering her ears because the horn from the train was pretty loud.

The staff even wore their jammies!

Makena held on to her ticket really tight so that she wouldn't loose it like the girl in the movie. They even had the conductor come by and punch the tickets just like they do in the movie.

My little guy stayed awake the whole time. He didn't even wink. I guess he didn't want to miss a thing.

Here she is with her yummy cocoa that she didn't even drink. She took one lick of the whipped cream and said she didn't want any more.

And here she is with that yummy chocolate chip cookie that she was so excited to try, she took one bight of and held that little piece FOREVER!!! How is she my child??? I ate mine and hers in a heartbeat. EEEK!

The higlight of our ride was when Makena met Santa Clause. She jumped off her chair and stood their talking his ear off. I have never heard her talk so much (and my girl is a talker). She said something like... "...I want a turtle and a frog and a crocodile... I want a microphone, and a ducky.... Thank you Santa, I love you..... bye!!!!" It was adorable!

Santa even stopped and talked to Andrew and gave him a bell.

Makena kissed her bell and would not let go of it. She even slept with it that night.

Here she is ringing it by her ear to make sure she can hear it.

We had sooooo much fun and plan on making this an anual christmas trip and making it a tradition. We loved it!

Here are some tips for those of you that are wanting to go next year.
1. If you are taking a baby, don't bring a stroller or carseat carrier. There is no room. You may leave the stroller at the gate but I would hate for it to get lost or stolen.
2. Dress warm because Durango gets soooo cold at night.
3. Bring your camera or better yet, a camcorder. There were so many great moments to capture, but the best were the sounds of the train pulling up, squeals of excitement, and beautiful music playing in the background.
4. Make sure to eat a substantial meal before you go. They serve you nothing but sugar and you will need the energy to keep up with those ~~hyper~~ excited kids.
5. Bring water. You are going to want to join in singing the christmas carols, plus it might dilute some of that sugar.
6. Make sure you all have a "potty break" before you board. There are no bathrooms on the train. However there is one at the train station.
7. **** Get there early! This is by far this is one of the most important ones. They prepare a whole skit that parallels the movie, you don't want to miss the look on your kids faces as the train comes billowing fourth.
8. There is a really nice hotel right across the street from the train station for convenience. It is called General Palmer Address: 567 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Phone:(800) 523-33589. Visit the recreation center in Durango. If you need to keep up with your exercise and work out regimen... have no fear, there is a nice one here. There is sooo much do to here. There is a very nice gym, a rock climbing wall, a swimming pool/ aquatic center (indoor), a very cool park (Makena approved), walking trails, basketball courts, racquetball courts, etc...
10. Best time to schedule your Polar Express Train ride... NOEL NIGHT! It is where the whole town celebrates and gathers in the downtown area. Shops are open later and they looooove kids! As if your children need more sugar... lots of the shops will hand out candy and treats to the kids.

Well there you have it! I hope you have fun visiting the Polar Express.

Do you have any other tips to add???

See you tomorrow for our adventure to visit Elmo!

Christmas traditions of 2012

2013-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

We have many traditions in our family that I just love! Here are some of them...

We help put up 4 Christmas trees each year!

We put up our Christmas tree at home. We each buy an ornament each year that represents our memory of this year. We buy them at Hallmark because they are always sooooo cute and they also have great deals for members.

This year I picked a baby in a manger and a cute little angel girl kissing his head. It reminded me of my sweet babies and Makena is always trying to kiss Andrew on his head. Phillip picked a chocolate moose it is a moose (animal) covered in chocolate. He is a hunter and loves chocolate moose. Plus he thought it was hilarious. Makena chose Repunzle. She has been very into her Tangled movie this year, so it was appropriate. For Andrew we chose a babies first christmas framed ornament. We also bought a Polar Express Train ornament when we went to Durango this year.

My boy is a dream!!! I just love his little face.

I love their faces here. Makena is way too exited and Andrew is about to scream in frustration because I laid him down.

They are always holding hands. Love them!

She loves her little brother so much. I love watching her try and take care of him.

And despite this face, he loves her so much too! She is the only one that can keep him entertained and laughing.

This is Christmas day playing with her kareoke machine. She loves it!

Then we went to Nana and Papas house to help put up their tree.

I had to shoe you guys how clever my step dad is. He made this GIGANTIC candy cane out of PVC pipe and red duct tape. Added a big bow to the top and... Walah! The taking down and storing is so easy because it all comes apart and they are so light. Cool hu?

Here is one of my parents trees behind Makena and Rocky.

And here is the main tree at my parents house. We took our professional pictures in front of it this year.

Here are the kids under the tree.

Another tradition that have is decorating a ginger bread house. This one we got at Costco. It comes with a really cool house and a gingerbread tree along with all the fixings.

Makena couldn't help herself. She had to taste it.

This is not a very good picture but here we are at the 14th annual River of Lights.

Another tradition is helping Grandma bake bisochitos. Makena really got to get into it this year. She rolled the dough, and used her special cookie cutters to create fun festive shapes. She even made a handprint one.

Makena and Grandma.

Here are a few more traditions.

~Tallulah (our christmas Elf on the Shelf) comes to visit.

~We wrote a letter to Santa. She explained what makes her a good girl and what she wants.

~Put out Christmas cookies for Santa

~Sprinkled glittery food on the front lawn so that the reindeer can find our home.

~Watched lots of Christmas movies.

~Made a special Christmas breakfast.

~Put on our new jammies that Tallulah left on our bed and drive around looking at Christmas lights

~ Perform a good deed for someone in need. Today Makena gave a homeless man a blessing bag full of necessities.

~Sing Christmas carols. The last few years we sang them at home by the Christmas tree. But when the kids get older, I want to go around the neighborhood and sing while we pass out cookies and baked goods.

~Visit Santa

~Go sledding

~Build a snowman

~Sleep under the Christmas tree.

~Interview/video the kids and ask them what they want Santa to bring them.

*Most of these are in our advent calendar. It helps us to keep on top of all our traditions each year.

What are some of your families traditions?

Come back tomorrow and see our Polar Express Train ride.

Simply Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Pie

2013-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Try my healthy pumpkin pie. It has a pecan crust and a granola crumble. Yum!

I really love pumpkin pie but, WOW, is it unhealthy! Between the stick of butter in the crust and the cup of sugar in the filling.... and not to mention the evaporated milk...!!! My stomache is hurting just thinking about it however my mouth is watering.

This Thanksgiving I have created a recipe that will not only make your mouth water but your heart and tummy thank you.

As many of you know I am trying to eat healthy. No, I didn't just start. I like to eat healthy and there fore I have been eating and creating healthy dishes and desserts for a long time. I am hoping to share some of them with all of you.

This pie has:

NO SUGAR

NO GLUTEN

NO DAIRY

NO SOY

NO GRAINS

NO PEANUTS

NON GMO

ALL ORGANIC, NATURAL, WHOLE... 100% REAL FOOD!!!

Can you believe it! Not to mention... Really good and fulfilling! Believe me, I have had a lot of testers this year. All but one agreed that it was amazing! I hope you like it too.

*In this recipe I chose to use butternut squash in place of pumpkin squash. Butternut squash is sweeter but has pretty much the same flavor of pumpkin squash. You can decide what you would rather use.

*I used all organic ingredients but you can substitute if you want.

Ingredients list for crust:

2 cups of pecan meal (make your own by finely grinding pecans in a food processor)

5 large dates

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 Tablespoons water

Pinch of sea salt

Ingredients list for filling:

Small butternut squash

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon grated ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 eggs

5 large dates finely ground in the food processor

1 1/2 cups of coconut milk or almond milk

Ingredients list for granola crumble:

4 Tablespoons of crushed pecans

1/4 cup oats

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 Tablespoon dates chopped (just put them again, in the food processor)

1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup (if you want to add some sweetness)

Directions:

Roast your butternut squash:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Rinse the squash under water to get rid of any dirt. Dry with a clean towel.

3. Cut the pumpkin in half. Remove seeds for toasting, if you want to.

4. Rub the cut side with extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Place cut side down on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil. You can add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the sheet.

5. Bake in the oven until tender (pierce with fork to check). This takes about 90 minutes.

6. When tender, remove the squash from the oven and let it cool down.

7. When the squash is cooled to a good handling temperature, scoop our the flesh.

8. Puree the squash in a food processor.

Prepare the crust:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Blend dates in a food processor until smooth.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients and combine until well mixed.

4. Lightly grease 9 inch pie pie pan with coconut oil.

5. Press the mixture evenly to the bottom and sides of the pan.

6. Bake at for 10 - 15 minutes or until browned.

Prepare pumpkin (aka butternut squash) filling:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Combine squash puree, eggs, coconut milk or almond milk, dates, and spices. combine until smooth.

3. Pour mix into crust and bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

4. Then cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F. for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare granola crumble:

1. Mix all ingredients

2. Crumble on top of your warm pie.

3. Enjoy this with a side of healthy homemade coconut ice-cream.

How did you keep your Thanksgiving/ Holidays healthy?

Come back tomorrow to see our trip to Durango, CO where we got to hop aboard the Polar Express Train.

I'm back

2013-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I am so glad to be back. I needed that break. It was perfectly timed over the holidays.
As many of you know I have a 5 month old boy and a toddler who is smack dab in the middle of her terrible two's! Mix that in with the joy and hustle and bustle of christmas and you've got one tired mama. Eiy,yiy, yiy!
However, amidst all the craziness, We had such a fun and memorable time.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Makena collected some pinecones in the backyard and I helped her craft some festive turkeys. Two wonderful Thanksgiving meals. Last picture is with my mom and cousins (I can't believe I only took one photo at my parents house).

Come back here tomorrow to see the yummy simply PERFECTLY homemade (from scratch) pumpkin pie I made.

Teddy Bear Baby Shower

2012-11-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hello! Sorry I have been so MIA lately. Taking care of a two year old and 2 month old takes up more time than I expected. I can no longer find the will or desire to be pulled away from those cute little faces. My days are filled with diaper duty, meal making, playing dolls, building towers, coloring, telling stories, reading books, craft making, playing with our pretend kitchen, nursing my baby boy, play-dates, and occasionally cleaning (when we have a potential buyer come look at our house).

Sometimes, close to bedtime, I will allow T.V. time and it is truly one of my favorite things to do. I can sit them both on my lap and they become so still. So I take that opportunity for cuddle time. Andrew is usually asleep and Makena is enjoying her Sesame street (or whatever I put on) and I just love stroking her beautiful hair and starring at their cute little faces. Even though we don't get to have these moments often, I enjoy them soooooo much. Just to keep her next to me for so long without wiggling is an awesome moment.

I have been wanting to share a party kit I designed for an amazing new mama. She had requested a teddy bear theme and had some great ideas on how she wanted her games set up so that the guests were instructed on how to play each game. Thats a great idea because you wouldn't have to stand in front of everyone and announce how to play. You would just direct them over to the different stations at their leisure. It allowed them to have more time to visit with their guests.

If you would like to purchase a Teddy Bear shower/party kit click here.

Check out her photo's that she sent me all the way from Dallas, Texas!!!

Thank you Kemi for sending your pictures! Your party turned out amazing!

Charming Hansel and Gretel Characters

2012-10-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here is my newest characters to add to my collection from Frost Your Party.

Meet our charming little boy and girl. I think I will call them Hansel and Gretel!

Customize:

They will come in all colors and can even be customized to look like someone you know.

You can customize their clothes and dress them up for the holiday season or dress them down in everyday wear.

Customize their hair style. Maybe pigtails or a faux hawk?

Put them on....

* a thank you card, invitation, hope you feel better card, Merry Christmas card, etc...

* a birthday party kit and dress them with the theme of your party.

* create them to look like your kids and frame them for their room.

Examples coming soon!

I hope you like them!

Launching Frost Your Blog

2012-10-19T17:35:00.001-07:00

Frost your Blog

Thanks for checking out my blog portfolio! Please let me know if I can create something for you.

Rebecca owner of Frost Your Blog

frostyourparty@gmail.com

Please note that I communicate through email only.

Blog designs:

Let me help you customize your personal or business blog tailor made to fit your style and personality. I can create it on a Blogger or Wordpress platform. I can also create a flash website that works great for photographers and fine artists or others who just wish to have a gallery type format.

Custom Blog Package: $75

This will include custom header, background, colors, links, fonts, sidebar titles, subscribe box and installation on WordPress.org, Blogger.com, or a flash platform.

Add on items:

Custom header: $30
A header is the first thing your readers see when they visit your blog. I will work with you to create a custom header that really showcases the style and personality of you and your business.

Background: $15
A background is the foundation of your overall design of your blog. Make sure it is a good one.

Blog button with grab code: $10
This is what your clients will be able to take with them from your blog to theirs. Not only will your readers see this but their readers will see it as well.

Social media buttons: $10 for 4
These are buttons that link your readers straight to your social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc...

Custom signature: $5
This is a graphic that you can place at the end of each of your posts. I can replicate your own handwritten signature spif it up a bit and dot your "i's" with a heart if you want. You can also use a logo type signature.

Favicon: $10

This is the button on the address bar when you open up your web page.

Ad place holders: $$10 for 4

Do you want to earn extra income by advertising on your blog? I can create ad holders to let potential businesses that you are willing to advertise for them.

Launching Frost Your Business

2012-10-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I am so excited to announce my new launch for your business needs!

Do you have a business and need help designing your business cards or flyers? What about labels or other items? Take a look at some of what I have worked on and check back with new designs and samples. I am always working on new orders and will update you all with my new work.

As a graphic designer I love to create beautiful designs. Whether it be for your party decorations or business. Stay tuned for my other new launch called Frost Your Blog!

Let me introduce...

Frost your Business

Thanks for checking out my business portfolio! Please let me know if I can create something for you.

Rebecca owner of Frost Your Business

frostyourparty@gmail.com
Please note that I communicate through email only.

Business Cards:

Design only: $30

Add on item:
Printed business cards: $50

Business cards are printed on high quality glossy or matte cardstock and comes with your very own silver business card holder and custom etched with your name or business name.

First impressions are so important to a future client. A business card should tell a client your personality, style, work ethic, and professionalism all without words. Your text should tell the specific detail (the who, what, when, where and why).

Photographers CD labels and Thank You Cards Kit:

CD label and Thank you card Kit: $15
CD label only: $10

I can create professional CD labels templates so that all you do is print it out on sticker paper or glue it on to your CD for a professional and creative look. Add a photo or a logo or both. Not only will your CD stand out amongst all of their other CD's but it will have all of you contact information so they can remember to call you for their next photo session.

Business Flyers and Pamphlets:

Single page one sided black and white with text only or you can provide a picture, logo or graphic: $10

Double sided black and white with text only or you can provide a picture, logo or graphic: $15

Add on items:

Make this in color: $5

One custom graphic or logo: $10

Flyers and pamphlets can say a lot about your company or event. Let me do all the hard work and create a great first impression.
These can be printed or used in a digital format to email or post to your Facebook, Twitter, Blog, etc...

I can create an eye popping colored flyer...

... Or save your colored ink and opt for a black and white version.

Business Gift Boxes: $6

Send your clients home with a little treat in a custom designed triangle box with your business information conveniently on the box. Your clients will surely never forget you!

To place your order:

Please fill out this order form.
Please note payment must be made before any design element or customization begins.

Loading...

Project 52-4 "Faith, hope and love."

2012-10-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

So I am in love with this new mommy blog that I have found Life with Jack This Lady is wonderful! Today I read her post on 1st Corintians:13 for moms and I wanted to have you all read it too. It is pretty inspiring. You all should follow her blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1st Corinthians 13 for Moms

Credited to Life with Jack

If my child speaks in the tongues of men or of angels, masters sign language at six months and Spanish and Mandrin Chinese by six years, but does not learn to love, she is only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If he has the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge-ABCs at a year, reading by two, writing chapter books in Kindergarten-but does not have love, he is nothing. If I volunteer for every mommy ministry-MOPS, AWANA, Sunday School, and if I give all I possess to the poor (or at least bring loads of groceries to the foodbank), but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy other mother's lifestyle choices or possessions, it does not boast in the areas of my children’s natural strengths (while covering for their faults), it is not proud of the way my child potty trained before your child. It does not dishonor others by insisting that my method of parenting is the best, it is not self-seeking-hoping that you’ll notice how smart, talented or well rounded I am raising my child to be. It is not easily angered by perceived slights or misjudgments, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth that all of parenting is fueled and driven by God’s grace. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails-even where I have fallen painfully short of God’s best for my children. But where there are competitions to see whose body bounces back best after childbirth, they will cease; where there are verbal fights over the correct methods of discipline, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge about the best way to feed and clothe and nurture a child, it will pass away. For we know in part and we parent incompletely, but when they are fully grown, what we thought we knew about raising our children will disappear. When I was a new parent, I thought, spoke and reasoned with immaturity and without grace. As my children grew, I asked God to give me the wisdom to put these childish ways behind me. For now we see our children’s future as only a reflection as in a mirror; one day we will behold their adults selves face to face. Now I know in part; then we shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And because every post needs a picture, here is a picture of my kiddoes.

They truly love each other. Makena says it all the time and shows him with snuggling, gentle kisses on the forehead, feels the need to help me make him feel better when he cries. shares her toys. talks to him, etc...
However the time that made me really tear up was when I was at Barnes n Noble and it was getting close to bed time. I knew it because Andrew started waking up and fussing for food and just when I was about to pick him up Makena screamed at the top of her lungs for my attention (first and only time I have witnessed Makena fighting for attention). I froze and wanted to cry myself because I was feeling overwhelmed and realizing I may have to do the walk of shame and carry two screaming kids out by myself with everyone watching me.
So I scooped up Andrew and bent down and hugged Makena. and as I was squeezing both of them and fighting back tears, I asked Makena to be my big helper and hold brothers hand because he was sad. She said ok as she climbed into the stroller. I placed Andrew in and told Makena don't let go of brothers hand until we get to the car. She held his hand and they both stopped crying. I ended up walking out of that store with a huge, loving, proud mama smile. Makena showed me how much she truly loves that little guy.
Andrew on the other hand is still to young to say it but, stopping his cry as soon as Makena grabs his little hand is definitely a sign. He also loves to stare at her and as soon as he hears her voice he looks around for her.

Halloween Party

2012-10-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here are my pictures from last year at my halloween party

I used the halloween party kit from my Etsy Shop. If you would like to purchase a halloween party kit for your party, click here.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider graphic from my shop.

The Candy Corn Cupcake Toppers from my shop.

The Witch Feet Toppers from my shop.

Learn how to make this edible flesh face here!

Candle holders topped with a mini pumpkin.

Orange balloons hung from the ceiling and jack-o-lantern faces drawn on with a sharpie.

The Tented Card Labels from my shop.

The Candy Corn Cupcake Toppers from my shop.

Project 52:3 Make a wish...

2012-09-30T10:21:00.001-07:00

I want my kids to know how important wishes and dreams really are. Without those, how do you move forward in life? A wish and a dream are important, that is what kick starts your adventure, your goals, and your best future.

I want to encourage my children to dream and to continue dreaming forever. Makena has been very vocal at an early age so I have been asking her what she wishes for and we talk about her dreams at night.

It makes me so sad when I ask the question (especially to the younger generation) "what are your goals in life" and they stop and hesitate and eventually say "I haven't really thought about it" or "I don't know". Come on people this is the fuel of life for you and your loved ones.

Your wishes don't have to be easy. It doesn't have to be perfectly tangible. I always loved the stereo typical wish that the Miss America Pageant girls say "I wish for world peace!" I think it is a great goal to keep in mind because it is a step in the right direction and a positive way to live your life. With that wish in mind it helps create peace around you and encourage others to do the same.

Your wishes don't have to be big. A small, simple wish can turn into a big idea, goal, or accomplishment.

You can dream as a child and all the way in till your old and gray.

You can wish for yourself or for others.

You can dream silently or share your dream with others.

Your wishes can be silly or serious.

A few weeks after her 2nd birthday Makena told me that she wishes she could be a mermaid and swim in the ocean. That was such a important wish that she made. On the surface that wish seems like such a typical wish from a two year old girl, so un-tangible and so silly. However, if I wasn't her mommy I wouldn't have known that it was a perfectly awesome dream/ goal for her. See, she has been frightened of the water. We had put her in swim lessons when she was about 9 months and we had noticed that she was scared. I know, your probably thinking that is typical for a small child to be fearful of the water, but she was also afraid at bath time. She screamed bloody murder when we tried to wash her hair or face. She wouldn't let water even come close to her head. My husband and I tried to think of anything that may have triggered that fear, like slipping under water in the bath or getting splashed in the face at the pool or choking on water. But none of that has happened. So every time we take a bath or go to the pool she has fun but she is very careful not to get her face wet. If she were to get even her ears wet she would freak out.

So, after the wish that she told me, about wanting to be a mermaid, We would tell stories about mermaids and she would soon be slapping her legs together and kicking her feet as if she was a mermaid. When it came time to wash her hair, she would hesitate and start to whine and cover her ears. I would say "it's ok if your mermaid ears get wet. That is how mermaids hear the fish under water!" She would soon take her hands off her ears and with a forced giggle say "mommy, I hear the fish in the water!"

Goal reached! She can now temporarily turn into a mermaid during bath time and we are now able to wash her hair without her screaming hysterically.

How do you encourage your children to wish and dream? Do they wish on dandelions, eyelashes, wishbones, spilt salt, 11:11, roadrunners that cross your path, shooting stars, etc...?

If you want to participate in project 52. Link me by grabbing my button and I will link you too! Let me know if you started Project 52 by emailing me or commenting on one of my posts telling me you are starting Project 52.
Rules:

1. Post once a week.
2. Create a theme. You can use this one or make up a theme.
3. It's always nice to include a photo.
4. Let me know you have started so I can link you and you can link me back.
*You can grab my button to link me.

Grab my button:

My links:
styleberryblog.com, noahsark

Family update! Andrew at just over one month old

2012-09-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Working hard today!
My goal is to send all my orders out today. I am so blessed with all the clients that I have done business with and fellow blogger friends that I have met and swapped ideas with.

This is becoming a great year and we are only in September. I can't wait to see what else this year has in store for my family and I.

Quick update on my family life...

Andrew is getting so big and strong. He is holding his head up for a lot longer now. He has definitely got to be around 11 pounds now. He is now starting to sleep longer at night. Hallelujah!

Makena has been bringing me to tears lately. She is becoming such a sweet, helpful and loving big sister that at moments I watch her with Andrew and I can't believe she is only 2 1/2 years old. Other times she brings me to tears because she is 2 1/2 and in the full blown terrible two's stage. I have to remind myself that this really is just a "stage" and it will pass soon.

Phillip is back at work from Paternity leave and in his words "it was hard to leave my family but I am looking forward to getting back into the groove of things" He has continued his diet and exercise and has surprised me at how dedicated he is with it. He has really encouraged me to start eating and cooking healthy too.

With Phillip back at work I have been experiencing being a mommy of two all by myself. It is chaotic at times when both of them are needing me at once. I am still trying to figure out how to divide my time between the two and balancing family life with my work life.
Overall I am loving being a mommy of two and I am loving to imagine Andrew and Makena growing up together.

Aren't these photos adorable. My friend and I did some trading. Graphic design work for some photo sessions. I was soooooo excited!
Check out her facebook page!
Photos Credit: C. Marie Photography

Project 52: 2 Making memories as a family. Fun at the state fair

2012-09-23T13:14:00.001-07:00

I believe in making family memories and cherishing those moments. I believe that it bonds your family tighter and helps you realize that family is one of the most important things in your life. These people are placed in your life for a reason. Why not take time to find out those reasons.

At the state fair 2012

Taking time out of your every day routine pushes your family to focus on more important things. When you get stuck in the repeat of everyday lives, sometimes you forget to be the fun mom who takes time to really listen to your kids and get involved with their imagination. Sometimes it takes scheduling fun events to pull your mind away from your job, your household chores, and every day duties. You have to be put into a different situation to refocus on what is important to your family.
Doing the same'ole every day thing is like living your life in auto pilot and not being able to really enjoy your family. I challenge myself to schedule events so that we can take time off autopilot and make memories. These memories don't have to cost a dime.

Makenas very first ride EVER!!!! She chose the tea cup ride.

My siblings and I were very blessed with our mom. She knew how important creating family memories were. She was always such a hard worker and used her earning to take her family on "once in a life time" family vacations. She knew that it would open our eyes to the diversity in the world giving us insight to other cultures, religions and views. She modeled good behavior by treating everyone the same respect and helping others when she could.

My mom and aunt Jennie were volunteers.

On one of her vacations that she was planning to Brazil, she had heard that an area that she would visit was one of the poorest areas and that the people who lived there were so poor that they could not even afford clothes. My mom packed an extra suit case full of clothes that she was planning on selling at a yard sale that summer. On her last day of her stay in that area she left the bag of clothes to the hotel maid. The lady was so grateful and told my mom that she would share with the rest of the girls in her family.
I want to be that kind of influence on my kids too.

This is a quote that my mom pinned recently...

Source: indulgy.com via Yvonne on Pinterest

As a mom I love spending this time developing my children's faith, values, ethics, characteristics, beliefs and morals. I want to spend as much quality time being a positive influence on them. I want to stand tall as a positive role model. I am not saying I am any where near perfect (because God only knows) but I will devote my life to trying my very best.

Old McDonald's farm

Her all time favorite ride... on Daddies shoulders.

How' bout you? What do you do to create family memories?

Grab my button:

My links:
styleberryblog.com

Apple strudel oatmeal breakfast and the benefits to eating oatmeal and cinnamon.

2012-09-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Apple Strudel Oatmeal Breakfast!

One thing I love to do in the morning is start my day off right. With a healthy breakfast full of protein and fiber. A bowl of oatmeal is my "go to" breakfast.

It will stabilize your blood sugar and lower your risk of diabetes. It removes your bad cholesterol without removing your good cholesterol. It contains lignans which help to fight heart disease and cancer.

It is a low calorie breakfast that really fills you up to help curb those cravings throughout your day. 1/2 a cup of old fashioned oats are only 150 calories.

All oatmeal is not created equal. Steel cut oats are the best for you. Steel cut oats are bigger grains which mean that they are less processed and retain more nutrients. Because they are bigger they digest slower and keeps you full longer, however they also take longer to cook too. It takes about 30-40 minutes to cook on your stove top, but well worth it.

But a bowl of plain oatmeal is a bit bland for my taste. Thats why I keep looking for ways to spice up my morning bowl with scrumptious recipes like this one.

Ingredients:

3 cups water

1 cup old fashioned oats

(or you can prepare your steel cut oats)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (I love cinnamon, so I used 1 teaspoon)

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 apple diced

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

a pinch of salt

Directions:

Bring the water to a boil. Mix all ingredients in and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can add milk to your bowl if you like your oatmeal extra creamy.

*Tip: Adding cinnamon gives you more benefits:

1. Eating 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower your bad cholesterol or LDL.

2. It may treat type 2 diabetes by lowering your insulin level.

3. It may help fight cancer cells.

4. It has an anti- clotting affect on your blood.

5. Honey and cinnamon together help to relieve the pains of arthritis.

6. Cinnamon inhibits the growth of bacteria and food spoilage which makes it a natural preserve.

7. Just by smelling cinnamon helps boost cognitive function and memory.

8. It helps to relieve headaches and migraines.

9. Tastes great!

Happy One Month Birthday Andrew!

2012-09-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Happy One Month Birthday Andrew!

I just can't believe it! My little baby boy is a month old! This month really flew by. My husband only has one week left on his paternity leave. We were blessed that he was able to take off work for 5 weeks.
This month has been so busy for us considering we have a brand new baby bundle to take care of, but life can't really stop. We had Makena to think of too. So with that we were off to play dates, birthday parties, baby showers, wedding showers, picnics in the park, dance class, our weekly visits to the grandparents house, doctors appointments, and visiting out of town guests. Hopefully things will start to settle down soon.
Phillip will leaving back to work soon and and although Ive enjoyed having him home and really appreciated the extra help, I'm ready for us to get back on a schedule, Some how we have had this house messier than its ever been... EVER!!! Its driving me nuts!

This month Andrew has changed so much since he has been born.

He is lifting his head really good already.

It looks like he is looking more like me than Makena ever did. (I'm so happy that, at least, one of my kids looks like me!) Phillips mom says he looks like my dad which means he looks like me too. LOL!

He is starting to fill out now. His cheeks are getting fuller and his legs are starting to develop little rolls on them. (cute!) At his last doctors appointment he was weighing just under 10 pounds which he has probably past by now. His pediatrician joked with us that we may have to put him on a diet soon. We were so happy to hear that since they were concerned with his weight at first. He had lost a whole pound in 3 days after he was born. We are so happy that he is making up for it now.

I love looking at all of his little characteristics that make him. He looks like he may have curly hair just like his daddy. He as the sweetest fuzzy ears, shoulders and legs. He also has his daddies hands. They are not only long but big. Phillip is convinced he will be a basketball player like he was.

Andrew seems to be a much calmer baby than Makena was. He definitely has Phillips "chill" personality.

Even though Andrew put himself on a pretty good schedule, we plan on setting a schedule in the next few weeks. We follow the Baby Wise books. We did this with Makena and we swear by it. It is really what kept us sane. She was a really good happy baby and this made it that much better.

This time around we plan on implementing everything a bit earlier with Andrew, since we know it works so well. We also plan on incorporating "The baby whisperer", and "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" just like we did last time.

Makena is adjusting well. In fact there was never any real problem with her transitioning to a big sister. She is very helpful and loving. She has been staying busy with her big sister duties. She brings me diapers, wipes, cleans up her toys, sings lullabies to baby brother when he is sleepy, gives him his pacifier when he cries and always lets me know when he cries by telling me "Give him milk, it will make him feel better". She always wants to give him hugs and kisses and tell everyone she meets about her baby brother.

Here is the proud big sister!

Quote Boards: Keep calm and frost your party!

2012-09-14T12:48:00.001-07:00

I am having so much fun designing quote boards. Here are two to help inspire you to make you the things in your life extra special.

Keep calm and frost your party!

Life is short frost your party!

To "frost" something is to make it beautiful. It's eye candy!

I love to make everything pretty. I love creating things that others, hopefully, think is pretty.

I hope to inspire others in creating beautiful things, whether it be for their party, home, kitchen, family, fashion, photos, and anything else.

I try and give you a glimpse of my life through my eyes. It doesn't always start off being beautiful. I have to really work at it sometimes, but I try my best to turn it into something really wonderful! Just like life should be treated.

Framed Chalkboard Wall DIY Project

2012-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

Chalkboard Project

I wanted a new communication board in my kitchen. My dry erase board was falling apart. It was also too small for what I had planned to use it for.

I knew I wanted something to fill the wall space all the way down to the floor so that while I was cooking or cleaning up the kitchen I could keep my daughter occupied. She loves to draw!

I purchased a pint of chalkboard paint from Ace Hardware and taped off the wall to see if that's where I wanted to paint. I then painted 3 coats of paint. After it dried I used crown molding to frame it like a piece of artwork. That gave it so much character and elegance.

Because we are moving, I know I am going to have to do this project all over again in our new house. So here is what I will do differently next time around:
1. My wall is very textured. That makes it really hard to draw with chalk.
2. It is really hard to wipe clean because of the textured wall.
3. I would have loved to just take this with us when we move to our new house and at the same time make it really secure so that it doesn't fall off the wall when my daughter is drawing on it.
4. I would love to have been able to use magnets on this chalkboard as well.
5. I would really have loved it if the paint was low VOC, non toxic.

So here is my plan for when I put this up in the new house:
1. First, I will purchase a sheet of metal from Lowes so that I can make it magnetic.
2. I will paint it with low VOC non toxic chalkboard paint. I found Ecos chalkboard paint.

3. I will secure the painted metal panel on my wall with screws to the studs.

4. I will add some fancy trim.

And there you have it! Just like I want it!

I hope this inspires you to paint your very own chalkboard wall and gives you some ideas on how to solve some of the problems that I have had with my project.

Here is more inspirational pictures of beautiful chalkboard walls. Enjoy!

Source: goo.gl via Minerva on Pinterest

Source: blogs.babble.com via Caroline on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Denice on Pinterest

Source: images.google.com via Rozanne on Pinterest

Source: thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com via Linda on Pinterest

Project 52-1 Welcome to the World Andrew!

2012-09-12T14:31:00.002-07:00

Andrew's Birth Story!

I know birth stories tend to be pretty lengthy but I'm going to try and make it as short as possible. No promises though.
I just know that later on down the road I'm going to want to remember this story or my kids will be asking about it and I want them to be able to read my story.
So here it is...
I was dilated since week 35 and had consistent contractions every 2 minutes some times. But it would fade after a few hours. So at my 38 week appointment my doctor told me I had dilated to 3/4 she asked if I had wanted my cervix to be stripped. I had told her yes. She was on call that day so she jokingly said "see you tonight!" After my appointment I ran upstairs to visit a friend who had just had her baby the day before. She had told me that this second pregnancy and labor was much easier. I told herI hopped this second time around was easier for me too and that i hopped to join her in the hospital soon. That evening we went to my in-laws house for dinner. My mother-in-law had made the most delicious calavasitas. They were hot but I ended up eating 3 servings. Eeeek! On the way home I told my husband that my contractions felt stronger and that today might be the day. That night after we had put Makena down for bed we cleaned up the house and went to bed before I could go to sleep I told Phillip that I felt like I might need to go to the hospital just incase this was true labor. I had never felt what it was like to go into labor since I was induced with Makena. I called my mom over to watch Makena and when she got to our house my contractions subsided. She said that she would wait here and sleep on the couch while we tried to sleep and see if the contractions got stronger.
2:00am- my contractions seemed much stronger but not consistent. I figured I would go to the hospital since I couldn't sleep anyway. I kissed Makena goodbye and took extra time starring at her sweet face because I knew this was the last time I would see her as an only child. Then next time I would see her she would be a big sister. What a big milestone for her!

3:00am at the hospital the doctor checked my cervix and announced I was about 4/5 centimeters dilated and that he would go ahead and admit me. The nurse asked if she could draw me a bath to help with the pain since I had opted out of an epidural for now. With Makena I had waited 7 hours until I begged for the epidural. I figured I would try and do the same. Phillip helped me into the bath and I realized that it was too cold for my liking. So after about 10 minutes I got out.
5:00am- the nurse checked my cervix again. "Wow! 7/8 centimeters!" she said. "Do you want your doctor to come and break your water?" I new that it was supposed to speed up labor so I said yes. The doctor came in and broke my water and she told me that I would have this baby soon. She walked out the door and no longer than 5 minutes I was screaming that I needed to push. Phillip ran to the hall to get help and as calm natured as his personality he told the nurse "umm, I think my wife needs to push now." about 5 medical staff came running in behind him. The doctor told me not to push until she checked me. Yeah right! There was no way I could stop myself. My husband was such an amazing coach. He talked me through it and gave me encouragement after every push when I thought there was no way I could go on. 15 minutes later Andrew Anthony was born at 6:49am. He was so big, 8.9lbs and 21.5" long. They brought him to my chest right away where I counted all of his fingers and toes. I examined every part of him and he was perfect minus the bruising from getting stuck in the birth canal. Speaking of, since he got stuck, the staff had yelled at me to push during a non contraction time and I hemorrhaged really bad. I never knew this but one of the nurses explained later that if you push during a non- contraction time you can hemorrhage because of some reason or another that i just wasn't too clear on. Because I was bleeding so bad I was in and out of consciousness and sometime in between they told me that I was going to need surgery and a blood transfusion.

Luckily, in their last attempt my bleeding seemed to slow down and I began my healing process. In the recovery room I was tired but starving and I ordered the biggest breakfast of my life from the cafeteria. Phillip had a pretty big breakfast too considering he had not eaten all night either.

After breakfast all I wanted was to shower and cuddle my brand new bundle of joy. Because I was hooked up to lots of tubes the nurses wouldn't allow it right away. I was stuck to that bed all day long.
That night Phillip and I stayed up longer than we should have just starring at our brand new son. With tears in our eyes we couldn't help but feel so blessed with how our little family was turning out. We finally fell asleep only to be awakened every hour it seemed after that.

The next day I begged the doctor for a shower and he finally allowed me to take a one and after that is when I felt I truly started to heal. I got dressed in my comfy PJ's and cuddled Andrew while Phillip caught up on some sleep.

Makena met Andrew for the first time and was the sweetest big sister to him. She wanted to hold him and told me to feed him milk when he cried "it will make him feel better" she kept saying. She gave him gentle kisses and cuddled him in her lap as I hung on to him and kissed her sweet head. I missed her so much and wanted her to know.

After two days in the hospital we were elated to bring Andrew home to start our journey as a family of four. This is a much faster recovery time than my first and I am so thankful.

Pheew! I am glad I made no promises for a short post. For those of you who lasted through this, I thank you. You are a trooper!

Do you have a birth story? How are you handling your second delivery? Was your second delivery much easier? How was the recovery period?

Source: sheridanfrench.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Grab my button:

My links:
styleberryblog.com

Starting Project 52

2012-09-12T14:24:00.001-07:00

Project 52

I am starting Project 52. Mine is dedicated to my kids. My theme is "What I want them to know". You can link up with me and start your own Project 52. You can even so this on your Facebook page or Twitter account if you don't have a blog.

Here are the rules:
1. Post once a week.
2. Create a theme. You can use this one or make up a theme.
3. It's always nice to include a photo.
4. Let me know you have started so I can link you and you can link me back.
*You can grab my button to link me.

Grab my button:

My links:
styleberryblog.com

Remembering 911

2012-09-11T21:13:00.002-07:00

Source: google.co.uk via Danielle on Pinterest

Remembering 911

Where were you when this tragedy happened?
This is one of those moments that everyone will remember for the rest of their lives. The way they felt, where they heard the news, how they heard the news and who was with them.

I had just woke up that morning and was excited to get to school. I was just starting out in my college year and super excited about my classes. I had talked to my mom and she had told me that they were saying that a plane hit one of the twin towers that we had visited a couple years before. "How sad" I thought. "How did a pilot just fly into a building?" I put it out of my mind and jumped in the shower.
As I was brushing my teeth my mom told me that there was a second plane that hit the other tower. She said that they are thinking it was a terrorist attack. I felt awful for the people whose lives were altered by this event, but honestly I didn't understand how bad it was. I grabbed a banana and jumped in my car and started off to school.
As the day went on I started to understand a little more what this all meant, but still my life went on and I easily put this event out of my mind.

It wasn't until my husband and daughter and I vacationed in NYC in 2010 that I truly realized how tragic this event was. I had seen those twin towers in person and even got the chance to tour inside the towers. We had lunch on the top floor when I had visited NYC last. But this time going to NYC and visiting ground zero brought tears to my eyes. You can see the empty lot that the towers occupied and all the small memorial spots people have set up around the area.

We decided to tour the museum honoring all the lives that were lost that day and that's where it hit me. For the first time I really felt the anger that terrorism brings. No one has the right to rob the smiles from these peoples faces here on the photo wall. No one has the right to rip a child's mother or father from their lives. No one has the right to destroy lives.
My visit to ground zero made my heart sink in to my stomach and made me nauseous. It made me angry and sick.
After my trip back to NYC and visiting ground zero I now, no longer feel like this tragedy does not concern me. It breaks my heart!

Where were you when you heard about these events? Did you have a delayed reaction like I did or did you fully understand right away?

Thanks for stoping in.
~Rebecca

Raspberry Picking at the Raspberry Farm

2012-08-30T21:06:00.002-07:00

This week we went to the raspberry farm that we have been going ever since Makena was a baby. This year she was the perfect age to start helping. She picked quite a bit of raspberries and ate even more. Ha! She ate them right off the bush and enjoyed every one of them.
We took a break and ate a peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwich. Makena talked about her experience at the raspberry farm to everyone she met. Even the random lady at the doctors office. LOL!

Peanutbutter and Jelly face.

Caught red handed. She stuffed raspberries in her mouth.

Not bad of a view. It was beautiful there.

This is one of our favorite hidden gems here in New Mexico. Do you have any hidden gems where you live?

Frost Your Party

Premier Jewelry

My 30th Birthday!

Valentines Day Fish Bag Tags

The Elmo show!

Polar Express Train Ride 2012!

Christmas traditions of 2012

Simply Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Pie

I'm back

Teddy Bear Baby Shower

Charming Hansel and Gretel Characters

Launching Frost Your Blog

Frost your Blog

Thanks for checking out my blog portfolio! Please let me know if I can create something for you.

Blog designs:

Custom Blog Package: $75

Add on items:

Favicon: $10

Ad place holders: $$10 for 4

Launching Frost Your Business

Let me introduce...

Frost your Business

Thanks for checking out my business portfolio! Please let me know if I can create something for you.

Business Cards:

Design only: $30

Add on item: Printed business cards: $50

Photographers CD labels and Thank You Cards Kit:

CD label and Thank you card Kit: $15 CD label only: $10

Business Flyers and Pamphlets:

Business Gift Boxes: $6

To place your order:

Project 52-4 "Faith, hope and love."

Halloween Party

Here are my pictures from last year at my halloween party

Project 52:3 Make a wish...

Family update! Andrew at just over one month old

Project 52: 2 Making memories as a family. Fun at the state fair

Apple strudel oatmeal breakfast and the benefits to eating oatmeal and cinnamon.

Apple Strudel Oatmeal Breakfast!

Happy One Month Birthday Andrew!

Happy One Month Birthday Andrew!

Quote Boards: Keep calm and frost your party!

To "frost" something is to make it beautiful. It's eye candy!

Framed Chalkboard Wall DIY Project

Chalkboard Project

Project 52-1 Welcome to the World Andrew!

Andrew's Birth Story!

Starting Project 52

Project 52

Remembering 911

Remembering 911

Raspberry Picking at the Raspberry Farm

Add on item:
Printed business cards: $50

CD label and Thank you card Kit: $15
CD label only: $10