The Badger Family

It's That Time of Year.

2009-12-16T08:32:00.003-07:00

I feel a little like this penguin looks. CaRazy! Normally I coast through this time of year, but this year is happily different. Mike and I bought hardwood floors for Christmas. So we packed up our stuff and moved in with Mikes mom while the floors are ripped out. And the beautiful, brown, handscraped, true hardwood, maple floors, are installed. Before Christmas! We are way excited to spend Christmas morning in our own home and walk out to a remodeled kitchen front room and new florring! Mike has been working so hard to earn the money for this gift to me. He has worked every extra Saturday and has taken on after hours projects to cover the costs. No more squeaky floors to annoy the neighbors below us. Thanks honey, as you sit at work and read this! I am so excited. I love you.

Last night was our last Enrichment Night for the year. We had sister Stacy Gooch Anderson author of four books including "The Santa Letters" which was her first. And she spoke about her life and insparation for the book. She spoke about experiencing the true meaning of Christmas to it's full extent. It was really cool. I love the women in my ward. I love going to Enrichment and getting to know everyone. Thanks to all who came to support! And it was fun to have my mom there to sing with me. Thanks Mom.

Friday is our Ward Christmas party along with our Dibble Family Party. Mike will be one of the Three Kings in the Play. I bought some drapes and random material for his costume at Savers. Pictures to come, it's going to be good.

I hope you all have a wonderful time with friends and family celebrating the birth of our Savior. I am thankful for a change of heart this year. I think I have finally found the true meaning. I feel it........... but I still like presents :) Have a good one!

2009-12-10T12:03:00.001-07:00

2009-12-10T12:02:00.001-07:00

Personality

2009-12-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

Katie is always on the go she loves to get dressed, she'll want to wear shoes even if we aren't going anywhere. And the hat is a must.

Jeffrey is a home body, loves to cuddle and be bundled when it's cold outside. He loves, loves school and is talking in sentances finally! He also loves his space, if he wants to have some time alone he'll simply go in his room and shut the door. I'll check on him here and there to be sure he hasn't gotten into trouble. He is a very smart little guy.

Lttle Bro

2009-12-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

I had my little brother Collin over for a craft day. We painted and made these darling carolers for my mom. These were one of the crafts from my Super Saturday. They turned out so cute! Thanks for coming over Coll.

JUST DO IT!

2009-12-08T10:10:00.002-07:00

Head on over to Design Gal's blog for a chance to win a piece of Lulu Girl Jewelry.

Snow Angel

2009-12-08T07:54:00.003-07:00

Randomly this morning as I waved Mike off to work. I sat (while the kids were still sleeping) and watched a few of the neighborhood kids walk to school. It brought back MANY memories of Elementary school. We walked to school every day including the snowy ones. But there was one kid particularly this morning that caught my eye. Dressed up all warm from head to toe, kinda like the kid on the "Christmas Story" (no way this kid was getting cold) anyway. The kid was walking ahead of what looked like his older siblings. It was so funny to watch as he frolicked in the snow. He ran up and down each houses snow covered lawn, then he proceeded to get on his hands and knees and crawl on the sidewalk. I thought to myself, "how strange? What in the world is he doing?" I continued to watch as he got up and ran a few more ups and downs while his brother and sister walked slowly behind him. Until suddenly he STOPPED! He waited for a good minute......... and PLOP! Right on his back in the snow and started spreading his arms and legs vigorously to make a snow angel, again in the neighbors lawn.

I don't know. It just gave me joy to watch this happy kid, just walking to school. I remember having so much fun walking to school. And then other days hating it, especially the day I slipped and fell in a huge puddle or was that my sister? Hmm can't remember. So embarrassing. But anyway. Thanks KID whoever you are for being happy, I'm sure if your mom were walking by you she'd say, "Get up out of the snow! You'll get all wet!" But I'm glad she wasn't there.

Have a GREAT DAY!!! LET IT SNOW!!!!

On the 7th Day of Christmas

2009-12-06T23:47:00.004-07:00

Check it out over at Shannon's Blog. Quick! For a chance to win a flower arrangement from none other than Garden House Floral! And swing on over to my new and improved business blog.

Family Pics!

2009-12-02T14:45:00.001-07:00

I can't imagine what the results would have been to spend a few more hours there at Wheeler Farm. Meaning, how many more cute pictures we could have gotten (not, I wonder how muddy and cold my kids and husband could have gotten) NO, we had some fun. What a great place to take pictures. We went with Mike's family to get family pictures taken. We got a couple shots of the kids and my little family separate from the big fam. I think they turned out great! Thank you Shelley for your patience.

ps. and my hair is dark. For those of you who haven't seen me for a while. I'm all for a change.

12 DAYS of GIVEAWAYS!!!

2009-12-02T10:52:00.004-07:00

Head over to Shan's blog for a chance to win!!! I forgot to post about it yesterday, but you still have 11 chances!!! I will be giving away a Holiday Floral Arrangement on DAY 7 be sure to check it out. And tomorrow Shelley will have an awesome giveaway on there too!! Fun fun.

How TO in 5 Simple Steps

2009-11-25T08:33:00.001-07:00

I had a few requests to demonstrate the process of making these darling scripture totes, so here you go! Click to enlarge the pictures for a closer look at the steps.

If you don't know how to sew go here to Loree's blog she's designed darling totes and sells them!!!

The placemats can be found just about anywhere. I bought real simple, durable, ones in a variety of colors at walmart.

The ribbon I purchased at my wholesaler, but you can buy it at any fabric or craft store by the yard. Avoid using sheer ribbon go for a more sturdy, durable wired ribbon.

The handles I cut 19 inches and folded them under, where I pined, to make them stronger where they would be sewn.

The across ribbons I cut to 14 inches, but it will depend on the placemat you buy. Be sure to cut to your placemats size.

Now inside out you sew the two shorteer sides forming the bag.

This is the trickiest part, yet not super tricky. Stand the tote up to determine where to sew the triangle fold. I measured aprox. 2 inches from the point in. See the pink line, that is where you sew along.

The final step is to add your BLING. I found all kinds of fun flowers. Walmart and All a Dollar surprisingly had the most workable ones. I found the jewels also at Walmart in the craft section.

I am planning a sewing night this next week, either Wednesday the 2nd or Thursday the 3rd. If you would like to come! We will be sewing mostly totes. Bring your own supplies. If you have a sewing machine or could borrow one that would be best. I will let you all know on the exact date soon, but it will be held at my sisters home. Email for directions. yokarlar@gmail.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Thank you

2009-11-20T14:21:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone for the kind words, and reviews for me and my business. Thank you so much!!!

2009-11-20T14:17:00.001-07:00

Football Games.

2009-11-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Give me a Break

2009-11-18T12:12:00.002-07:00

Go HERE to write a review for me thank you for your support!

This morning Mike noticed a review for my business was a little off. I got a call for a funeral arrangement the other morning, and was unable to do it for this person due to the time frame she had given me. She was very nice on the phone. I simply told her the truth, that I work out of my home. People buy from me for my quality of work and the price they pay. Not necessarily my flexibility. My regular customers know to give me at least 24 hours notice. And sometimes I can come up with an arrangement the day of, but in this case I was unable to. I thanked her for her call and told her to call me again.

Se her comment HERE

There is nothing wrong with working out of your home as a florist. I am fully equipped, and I do have refrigeration at my fully equipped shop (not retail) located in Draper. I am working as a full time mom on top of all of it. Mike added me to the Google search engine in hopes of a new customer outreach. And I have filled quite a few orders from it. I love what I do, I love delivering flowers to people to brighten their day. If I have ever designed flowers for you and you have been happy with them, please write a review for me. Thanks!

I don't know...... I kinda think her comment fits. It's kinda catchy

" The Kitchen Sink Florist"

I WON!

2009-11-17T12:17:00.004-07:00

I won these beauties.

They are giant brown mother of pearl flat circles hanging from long kidney wires and they have two little charms hanging from the wire wrapping, one champagne freshwater pearl and a tiny swarovski crystal. I knew I wanted bold, she gave me a few ideas, and here they are. Go HERE to visit TaLaisa's Bead Drawer. Her jewelry is going to be sold in 3 THREE! boutiques here in Utah. Yep her designs are for sale in Pebbles in my Pocket stores. So fun. I really look up to stay at home moms who find ways to use their skills and talents to make money, but more importantly to feel a sense of accomplishment. Thanks TaLaisa!!! I have gotten so many compliments on these earrings.

Weekend News

2009-11-16T13:22:00.008-07:00

Thanks for the help with that CD. I knew I could count on you guys!

So this weekend was packed full of fun and lots of work. My Super Saturday was a hit. WE had a ton of fun. The Scripture totes were not as intimidating to the ladies as I thought they would be. I am going to practice on my Grandmas sewing machine so I can make more of these to give as gifts. Gosh, Kaylee who is a young women in my ward sewed three bags all on her own! She is amazing anyway, but if she can do it I can......I think. We were all cleaned up by 1:30. But I had to stay a little longer while the last few scripture totes were finished.

Thanks to all who helped!!!
Glitter Toes were a fun addition this year.

May I Borrow?

2009-11-16T11:45:00.002-07:00

I am looking for someone to lend me their 1998 Joy in the Journey EFY CD. You can not purchase the old Efy Cd's anymore. Just the most recent ones and the greatest hits type CD combined with all the best songs from past years. I need a specific song from this one. I don't know what else to do. ANYONE?

Bath Salt Sundaes

2009-11-11T08:18:00.003-07:00

This very special sundae,
will leave you feeling great.
It's chock full of good things,
even though it can't be ate.

Take it in the bath with you.
Of course don't take a sip,
cause it may look delicious,
but it's made to take a dip.

I got the idea from www.tipjunkie.com. The ones above were done by a lady in AZ for Mother's Day in their ward. They were given to all the sisters. Mike kept saying to me. "Who takes a bath, who takes a bath?" Well I think we all might like to take a bath and maybe we might someday, so here's your bath salt sundae! They are just so cute!! We used pink and white sponges with ours, and the bath bead or cherry on top is pink because I couldn't find red anywhere. But man they are cute. I got the cups from McDonalds, the one McDonalds gave thirty to me, I thought that would be plenty, but ended up getting over fifty orders so I had to go back for more. The other McDonalds sold fifty of them to me for $3. THANKS McDonalds!!! Anyway, so here they are. The salts are boxed salts from walmart, I liked layering the white and pink salts, made it even cuter.

Happenings

2009-11-10T09:04:00.009-07:00

So I was set apart as the second counselor in the Relief Society Presidency in our ward on Sunday. I have always felt apart of the Relief Society. I feel like it is the right place for me. I am excited to work with the ladies in the presidency. Especially you Patty ;) I am excited to get to know the women of our ward. I already served at a funeral, many more funerals to come as our ward is full of the elderly which I love. You learn so much from those who have experienced the most. It may sound dumb, but I feel more mature being put into a position where I have so much responsibility, I guess that's what makes you grow. I find I have more energy Sunday mornings, knowing I have to be to church on time. Knowing that if I am not there I will be missed. Good things to come from this, I can feel it!

I was previously and I am still filling in as the Enrichment Leader. Our SUPER SATURDAY is this Saturday! I am way excited. We had a lot of ladies sign up. We have a lot of fun simple crafts. One of which is my favorite. My sister helped me make them. They are Placemat scripture totes. Made out of a simple placemat and accessorized with the flower. Thanks Mand! We are also doing Glass block piggy banks so cute, holiday tile coasters, gift tags, Bath Salt Sundaes which were surprisingly a huge hit (Mike doubted me all along on these) 56 orders! More pictures to come. We are also having a Relaxation Station. My friend Bree Pits with Brees Nails is coming to do GLITTER TOES for $15 more openings available if anyone is interested. This Sat. 10am to 2pm. Call if interested.

Our kitchen is coming along. We canceled our Granite order with Belle Granite. I just didn't feel like we were important to them at all. Just another bid, just another order. So we went with Giving Back Granite, where we feel like their number one customer. AND 5% or more of every job's proceeds go to the families of our fallen troops. We just feel better about giving our money to this company. We decided on Tropic Brown Granite for our kitchen and I am confident it will look amazing. My colors are gray, fresh green, and white. Here are some of my inspirations. My kitchen will not look like any of these, just bright and fresh. Similar to the ones below.
Photo by Don Freeman
found at www.homesandgardens.com

Gardner Village

2009-11-04T08:12:00.001-07:00

My Mom, Sister, and I went to Gardner Village again this year. Kind of a tradition. We don't go in every shop, we don't go necessarily to buy either. Mostly for pictures and to buy some fudge at the candy shop. It was surprisingly cold, so we didn't get the cutest pictures I had hoped, but we got a few. Thanks guys, until next year.

The poor kids were so cold in the first few minutes of taking pictures they were both shivering.

A yawn! Come on. It was just too funny not to post.

2009-11-04T08:05:00.001-07:00

Grandma with Jeffrey and Katie

Katie loved this swing. She just kept saying, "weeee, weeee".

2009-11-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey trying to swim in the pond.

What's up with the tongue shot Katie.

She was not happy to be sitting by this friendly witch.

TONGUE AGAIN

Cabinet update

2009-11-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have officially been without a sink for two weeks now going on three. You know what, washing dishes in the bathtub isn't so bad. lol. Kind of getting used to it. Our counter tops should be in by the beginning of next week. Meaning we need to step it up and finish painting this week!!!!

We raised the two cabinets up and out creating a more staggered look, and added the crown molding! Makes the biggest difference.

Here is the primed look. Mike was excited to use his new paint sprayer to cruise along and paint all the cupboards and more. Well after a day of trying to get it not to spatter we gave up and chucked the sprayer in the trash. We have been hand painting, which was my idea from the start :) I have some expirience. Comming along. More updates to come.

Now we are on to prime and paint the cupboard doors. Wish us luck.

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-31T13:42:00.001-06:00

I have some pretty cute trick or treaters this year. Better watch out!

They were so happy to be going somewhere out of our house, they were doing anything I wanted them to do. SMILE!

Nice pucker Jeffrey.

This was right after I put the black stuff on his cheeks. Oh man did he think that was cool. Ha! Too cute.

And Katie. She was feeling so cute in her cheerleader outfit. Twirling and staring at herself in the mirror.