Yates Escapes

The Fourteenth Day of Christmas

2011-12-19T21:47:00.000-08:00

The Youth of our ward went on a hayride caroling. This year they invited Primary to come along. Nathan and I didn't last long. It was cold and when I went to get in I hurt myself like an idiot. So when the truck pulled up to my house to carol I got out. We thought Nathan would stay with Josh but he started to cry and that was that.

One day that week Nathan got out in the yard with grandpa and helped him plant trees. I got some great pictures of that.

Twelfth Day of Christmas - Josh came home

2011-12-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

As I am finally posting this we are getting ready to head back out to the airport to see Josh off. But he arrived on the Twelfth. We took pictures of Nathan waiting for Josh's flight and when he arrived.

Josh has only been in Florida about six months but Nathan didn't recognize him. It was funny we pointed out Josh and he took off running right past him.

Tenth Day of Christmas

2011-12-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

My best friend and I took our boys to see a free movie screening.
"The Adventures of Tin Tin"
It was a pretty good movie and the boys enjoyed it. We asked Nathan if he liked the movie and he said he liked the doggie and the popcorn was AWESOME!!

Later that evening our ward had their Christmas Party.

Young Women "Evening of Excellence"

2011-12-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

Wow, was I busy on the Sixth trying to finish up projects I was doing for the Young Women in my ward. I took some ideas I found on theideadoor.com and came up with an amazing program for our "Evening of Excellence" if I say so myself. The theme was "Your Happily Ever After" and I used a talk from President Uchtdorf. You can download the talk by clicking on the name above. I wanted the girls to feel like Princesses. We got tiaras for them to wear and my best friend made sashes. We asked the parents if they had to pick one value that best represented their daughter or best represented them which one would it be. We then took that value and painted it on the sash. During the program I had the parents explain why they chose that value. The girls loved the sashes and were surprised to hear their parents explanations; which turned out very touching.

Everything was a secret including the parents involvement in preparing the tables and display items. Usually the girls do it themselves but this year I wanted it to be different.

I found the temples on theideadoor.com website and had a friend cut them out of wood. The Young Women President and I painted them white, then I went to work on them to beautify them.

My temples came out a little different but I wouldn't want it any other way. I always tweak things to make them mine. The girls just loved everything. We sang new songs; we had the fathers crown their daughters; even one of the girls took down her cello and played it for us afterwards.
What really touched my heart is that they commented that they did feel like Princesses.
They are truly our Heavenly Fathers Princesses.

Days of Christmas Activities

2011-12-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Yay! I finally got my pictures downloaded to my computer. Now to catch up....

We decorated the tree on the Fourth.

And the fireplace banner I made on the Fifth...

Christmas Countdown - 2011 Day 3

2011-12-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

Day 3 - We went to the Boulder City Santa Claus Train. Its the Nevada Southern Railway excursion train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum located in historic Boulder City, Nevada - the city that built the Hoover Dam.
Santa Claus and his Misses greet each and every child on the train and they allow you to take pictures. It was pretty cool. Nathan was super excited to see Santa up until it came time for him to speak to him.

Here's some extra pictures that were taken.

Christmas Countdown - 2011

2011-12-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Has it really been three days since I blogged about the family Christmas excitement? Let's see December 2nd we got a HUGE Christmas Tree. The biggest I've ever had since I have been married.

Of course, Nathan had to get his pose on. Funny kid!! And that was day 2.

Christmas Advent Calendar - 2011

2011-12-02T01:02:00.000-08:00

So it's that time of year again where I am in the craftiest mood! I found several Advent Calendars online and thought hey I can do that. I found one that used those small matchboxes but I couldn't find any so I cleverly made one up all on my own.

First I took empty toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls and I cut them into 2 inch pieces; glued them together in the shape of a tree and glued that onto card-stock to hold the back on the tree.

After I had the back on I filled the slots with goodies; wrapped toys, candy, a few quarters, etc. and wrapped the tree with green tissue paper.

It wasn't the easiest thing to do without getting holes in the tissue paper but it worked. Then I took some Christmas wrapping paper I liked and cut 2 inch strips and glued them to the outside of the tree and for the base to look like a flower pot or tree stand thing.

I finished it off with 25 numbers and a snowflake star on top. Pretty creative if I say so myself.

Nathan loved it and being that it is December 1st he punched out the 25; finding candy hid behind it. Luckily I don't remember what I put in each slot so I too can be surprised to see what he gets each day.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T00:18:00.000-08:00

We had and still do have lots to be Thankful for. I am just going to post some pictures.

We have a new house, each other and lots of room for family and friends. Smiles all around!!! = D

Update

2011-11-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

I am really bad at this blogging thing.... I have let way to much time go by without updating; so so much has happened in the past few months.

My husband and I have a new home!! The other home fell through so we applied for a home loan and qualified. We had a list of things we wanted in a home and luckily we found the PERFECT home for us and it has everything on our list.
1) 4 or 5 bedrooms
2) 3 + bathrooms
3) big backyard for Nathan and our little doggies
4) zoned for a specific school
5) in our current church ward (we were willing to forgo this listed item but didn't have to)
We feel that the Lord really had a hand in this move because I was given a calling in our ward less than a month of finding this house. It is a 5 bedroom/4 bath home 2300 + sq. ft. on a 6000 + sq. ft. lot; in the ward and in the school zoned boundaries we wanted. We are TRULY blessed!!

We were always the ones in the family who needed all the help to get by and now we feel as if we have the means to help our loved ones. We love our new home and our new life!!!

I'm BACK!!!!

2011-06-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

Life is so unpredictable. It's CRAZY!!

However, we will be moving into a much bigger home very soon. Going from a two bedroom to a four bedroom. A lot has happened since I've been gone. My oldest child Josh has graduated from High School and has moved to Florida. My mother lives there and he wants to go to school there so.....
I was soooooooooooooo sad when he left but now I am just proud of him and the decisions that he has been making.
I may have lost one family member living in my home but will be gaining two. My husband's parents may be moving in with us. Now that should be interesting. It will be a test of will for me. But with the Lord's help I should overcome any and all pity things that may come up. FAMILY is indeed most important to me.

I can't wait to start decorating the new home. I have so many ideas and so many crafts I want to make to add. It's great to have other friends who blog to give me lots of ideas. I just love them all. We will need window treatments, wall decor, and much more. Furniture to accommodate a four bedroom too. Plus there is a separate office area and food storage room. AWESOME! I started using coupons and I can't wait to use my new money saving know how to fill that Food Storage room. FUN!! FUN!!

Remember the Lord in all you do and blesses will be yours! = D

Blog Discontinue

2011-04-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

I have put a hold on my blog in order to concentrate on other things; namely house hunting. We are desperately in need of another place to live. But this house hunting thing is totally depressing. So until further notice I've put my blog on shut down.

February - Red

2011-03-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Another month of trying to get Nathan to recognize colors have past. I'm still not totally convinced that my methods are working. He repeats the color to me but when asked to find a color he isn't doing so well. I need to reevaluate my ideas and be more constant. I blame myself but I'm also wondering if he is just too young still. February was Red. I made some box blocks out of construction paper and slipper gift boxes.

He likes playing with the box blocks and we have been trying to collect red toys from his toy box. We also try to pick out all his red cars and separate them from the other colors. Like before with the color blue I will continue to review red throughout the next month as we concentrate on March's color - Green. Wish me luck and if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Thanks.

ABC Weekend - Letter A

2011-02-17T04:16:00.000-08:00

A is for Animals and Aquarium.

My family have chosen to participate in the ABC Weekend family fun activity. We went to the "Silverton Casino" to visit the "Bass Pro Shops." There are lots of animals. Stuffed animals which are sorta sad but animals just the same.

Inside the "Silverton" there is an aquarium with beautiful fish and a woman dressed as a mermaid. I tried to get her pictures but all the children were so excited to see her that I was unable to get a clear shot.

I love the reflection in these pictures.

We enjoyed ourselves. It will be fun to see where we end up next.

VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2011-02-14T23:20:00.000-08:00

The Fourteenth Day of Valentine's Day is actually the day. Valentine's Day! A word to the wise. Make reservations when you want to eat out on Valentine's. We enjoyed an evening eating out without the little guy. My husband surprised me with two dozen roses and lots of chocolates.

After doing the 14 Days of Valentine's, I realized even more how easy it is and much needed a little of romance or sweet little things between a husband and wife helps. I've enjoyed getting closer with my spouse this month.

The Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Day of Valentine's

2011-02-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

The Eleventh Day of Valentine's I prepared cinnamon rolls for my husband. Not homemade of course but I did bake them. I haven't gotten brave enough to attempt to make them homemade yet.

The Twelfth Day of Valentine's I gave him a much needed back rub after a long day. Nothing big but surely appreciated.

The Thirteenth Day of Valentine's my husband and I had some romantical evening together. Wink! Wink!

The Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Day of Valentine's

2011-02-14T22:48:00.000-08:00

Boy am I late posting my Valentine's stuff.
The Eighth Day of Valentine's I took the day off. Not by choice but by request of my husband who allowed me to sleep in since he had the day off. He insisted that that day was for the boys to have a boys day out.

The Ninth Day of Valentine's I made Valentine Bark for my husband.
Ingredients:
Charms Valentine Pops
White chocolate chips

Josh took out some frustration beating the Charms pops into tiny pieces as I melted the white chocolate chips in the microwave. After melting the chocolate I poured it onto wax paper and sprinkled the pops candies onto the chocolate. I put it in the fridge to set up then broke it into pieces after. My husband loves white chocolate so he really enjoyed this treat.

The Tenth Day of Valentine's I sent my hubby an email Valentine. And in return I received one as well.

ABC Weekends

2011-02-05T02:50:00.000-08:00

My husband loves to do things and go places with the family on weekends so when I came across this idea taken from the book "Alphabet Weekends" by Elizabeth Noble I thought that he would love this idea. The concept is simple really. Just choice a location or activity starting with each letter of the alphabet. For example: A for Aquarium and living in Vegas right where the Shark Reef is located sounds like a plan. Or even cheaper and free there's the aquarium at the Bass Pro Shop. I'm going to run the idea by my hubby and post the results. I'm not totally sure how to find something to do with all the letters of the alphabet but with his help things are sure to be fun. = ]

Fourth Day of Valentine's

2011-02-05T02:27:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day. Nathan and I worked on his color recognition- red and we made cupcakes for Daddy. It was fun showing Nathan the magic of food coloring. I made homemade butter-creme frosting all by myself today. The magic took place when I turned the frosting from white to a darkish pink. No just pink. I meant for it to be red but it didn't come out that way. How many drops of coloring does it take? 5 makes pink.

See Pink, not RED.....
Anyway they tasted awesome. I used a plain yellow cake mix and added dried cranberries (a red food) to the mix. Yum Yum! I also added white chocolate syrup to the frosting by request of my husband and that made it that much better. What heart candies Nathan didn't eat went on the cupcakes last.

Butter-creme Frosting for Cupcakes
8 Tbs (1 stick) butter at room temp.
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
3 to 5 Tbs milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla (instead I used the syrup)
Food coloring (optional)
For Chocolate Frosting add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Blend butter in a large mixing bowl on low speed until fluffy. Add the sugar, 3 Tbs of milk, and the vanilla (flavoring) and blend on low speed until sugar is incorporated. Increase speed and beat until fluffy. Add additional milk if the frosting seems to stiff.
Makes 2 1/2 cups, enough for 24 cupcakes.

14 Days of Valentine's

2011-02-01T00:25:00.000-08:00

I've come across a lot of blogs that uses the "12 Days of Christmas" to pattern a similar activity for their special someone for Valentine's. "14 Days of Valentine's." Simply choice a chore, treat, or activity to do for your spouse or boyfriend each day in February up until Valentine's Day. I'm not always the lovey type with my husband of ten years this April so for me to do this fun and new thing for him will be unexpected and appreciated. Here's some suggestions:
1. Give them breakfast in bed.
2. Print them off a handmade coupon for a back massage.
3. Cook a special dinner for a boyfriend or loved one.
4. Give someone a special a day of pampering.
5. Write a poem or a quote in honor of someone.
6. Clip the coupons from Sunday's paper and mail them in a card to a frugal shopper.
7. Create a drawing or painting that has special meaning.
8. Light a candle and run a warm bath for that special person.
9. Send an e-card or online greeting.
10. Print off information on a topic of interest to someone.
11. Pass along a family heirloom or something that has sentimental value.
12. Surprise someone with a picnic using food that you already have on hand.
13. Leave a message on the bathroom mirror using toothpaste or lipstick.
14. Make cookies or fudge and wrap them in tissue paper.
15. Send an e-mail that lists out the reasons why they are special or why you love them.
16. Pick them up a free kitten or free puppy.
17. Give them an old photograph that has been tucked away for some time.
18. Create a hobby scrapbook with images, articles and tidbits about their favorite activity.
19. Create a gift voucher for one hour of doing whatever they want.
20. Give them a hug.
21. Give them a kiss.

I'm starting off very simple indeed by leaving a sweet note for my husband in his car. He should see and read it in the morning as he heads off to work. I hope others will take advantage of this opportunity to reconnect with their loved one as well. God bless our relationships.

January - Blue

2011-02-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Well the month of January has flown by and I worked on getting Nathan to recognize the color blue. We worked on several different concepts. Repetition mainly but painting and coloring using the color, and wearing blue clothes seem to help as well. I'm not totally convinced that he has it down as of yet but I will continue to work on the color blue as I add other colors to his list. He also started watching "Blue's Clues" on our new Netflix account and he loves the show. I made a collage of our blue work. Enjoy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun crafting with Nathan in December that I plan to dedicate each month to a color so that we can do crafts related to that color. Nathan needs to learn his colors and I want it to be fun.

January - Blue
February - Red
March - Green
April - Purple
May - Yellow
June - Pink
July - White
August - Black
September - Brown
October - Orange
November - Silver/Grey
December - Gold

We'll see how it goes.....

Nathan's Christmas Pics

2011-01-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Nathan was so small his first Christmas that we put him into a Christmas Stocking and took the Santa hat off of a teddy bear for him to wear. Born at 4lbs 2.9ozs on October 24th, his first Christmas was mainly just for the grown-ups since Josh is at an age where he only wants money.

When he was one he was terrified of Santa.

But this year at age 2 he loved all the Christmas celebrations and couldn't get enough of Santa.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

2010-12-31T22:09:00.000-08:00

December 30th was/is my birthday. Most people gain weight during the holidays at Thanksgiving and/or Christmas but not me. I gained weight the week of my birthday. First because of my wonderfully frugal husband I get all kinds of freebies on or near my birthday. He just signs me up for restaurants email subscriptions and each year they send me free entree coupons. Monday, December 27th two of my best friends and I went to Memphis Championship Barbecue which I LOVE and I got $20 free food there. YUM! Tuesday I just relaxed at home with family but Wednesday, December 29th my family and I went to Fuddruckers for a free 1/3 lb. burger. Did you know they have wild boar, buffalo, elk, and even ostrich burgers? I'm not brave enough to try those but their Mushroom Swiss Melt was the bomb. One of my besties bakes cakes; she works at a bakery and has made me a cake almost ever year. This year she made me a white cake with raspberry filling and butter-creme frosting. It rocks! OK for the best meal of the year I went with my friends to Benihana located in the Hilton Hotel Casino. I get a free entree equaling $30 from there. My friends had never been so it was a real treat for us all. Before we ate we went to the movies. I got into the movies for free. For everyone who invests in those Entertainment coupon books can get in free to any Regal Cinemas on their birthday with a coupon and a valid driver's license or birth certificate. The movie was hilarious. We saw "Little Fockers". I highly recommend you see it but it isn't suited for children. (My opinion) My birthday was GREAT! To top it all off my husband gave my a bouquet of flowers. Lucky me!!!

Z is for Zero

2010-12-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

Yes Z is for Zero, Times up!!! Time to clean the house, bake the cookies and milk the cow. Santa is on his way!!!

Merry Christmas to you all and to all a Good Night! God Bless Us Everyone!!!