2 days 2 celebrate

Last week was my 46th birthday!

side note:

With all the hard things (is there ever easy things?) 

going on this past year I have completely failed my New Year's Resolution of sending out birthday cards to everyone I love.... excuses, excuses.

 But- let me just say Happy Birthday to my fellow July born friends.

Jane (we share the same birthday), My sister Johnna, Jake the missionary, Jill, Sky, Steph my oldest friend, Lynnie my SIL, Braden & Sarah- Ruthie's kids, and my dear Caroline-- Did I forget you? Leave me a message & I will repent immediately. Yes- next year I will try again.

I was very blessed by getting to celebrate on 2 separate days! But I am also very cursed with terrible pictures. I didn't document the time well.... to say the least. It's ridiculous the pictures I didn't take. 

So please forgive me (older self) as I share this special occasion with lousy photos. Hopefully the journaling itself- will make up for it?

Celebration #1- has nothing much to do with Twinkies- I was in the store & saw them on my birthday though- so thanks Hostess. I appreciate that.

What a HUGE treat- all of my kids- ALL OF THEM- were together with me to celebrate the day before my birthday! I can't even think of the last time that happened? It was a Sunday so it worked out that everyone could be there. We all met up at Megan's new home for lunch after (most of us) went to church with Chloe.

We had fun times playing with the twins.

Chloe hasn't seen the twins for almost 2 months and they have grown tremendously since then!

Brittany came down too- life just doesn't seem right now if Brittany's not around.

Charlie & Joey are so happy to have all their things unpacked-

Charlie especially loves the costumes. Oh it cracks me up!

He changes about every 15 minutes from tiger, to pirate, to monkey... so fun.

We had beef tacos for dinner with guacamole & watermelon. 

It was fabulous.

(sorry about the eating pictures guys)

Then we had chocolate fondue!

YUM

It is really fun and exciting to have all of my kids close enough to get together as a family!

We are starting to plan- once month Sunday dinners & I am thrilled about it. 

Surely we will get together more than that? But as schedules start to fill with Fall coming- I know we will at least have a once a month dinner at Nana's house- I could not ask for a better birthday present than that.

It is truly the greatest gift I have ever been given- to have six beautiful children and to have them close enough to get together as adults, with their amazing families. I try not to gush around here on this blog too much. I think I keep it real most of the time... But really even though we have our share of problems & issues that are difficult... and most of the time I feel like there is nothing to brag about...

 We are going to be getting together for dinner at least once a month and for me that = happiness.

***

Celebration #2

Everyone knows- I am lucky to have this group of friends that get together most Wednesdays. 

We also get together & celebrate each other's birthdays. On the actual day- That's a big thing for us. When possible we get together on the. actual. birth. day. It means something.

OH MY GOSH-

it was so great- 

just so fun.

Did I mention, it was great to get together with my sweet friends on my birthday?

 Cause it was.

We had salads & fresh corn (picked THAT morning) for lunch!

and dessert!

I have to say- I think this was the best dessert I've ever had on my birthday.

Actually it was the best meal overall I've ever had on my actual birthday.

 Thanks everyone for all the good food & presents!

They planned my lunch party around a red, white, and blue theme because of my love for the 4th of July & it's July... it was so fun! All of the many presents were coordinating- ladies you guys are amazing!

I am especially loving this gigantic chalk board I hung on the laundry room door.

Trent & I are having fun switching up decorating it with chalk.

That night-

Brett brought home balloons & pizza.

It's pretty quiet around here now.

Brett & Trent had other plans, mostly work 

so Brittany & I headed to a new store at Farmington Station that I am in LOVE with.

It's Sugar

What a fun place.

I was in heaven, yet overwhelmed at the same time-

Kind of like one of those candy stores in NYC.

Just fun to be in!

It was a GREAT couple of days.

I'm happy to have the privilege to be one year older.

And do have so many candy options so close.

(wink - wink)

better days

I'm working at least 4 days a week.

It's a joy to work around so many beautiful things.

(a lot to juggle these days... but I really like working there)

Last week I made lots of pumpkin dessert squares, mashed potatoes & gravy & several batches of stuffing!

YES Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away!

I am so excited for Thanksgiving! It is Brett's favorite holiday so I try to make it extra special. This evening I put up the Thanksgiving decorations - I have a few - and we are expecting 25 people for dinner this year.

 I love that.

Today after work & lunch at home with the family

Brett & I went out on the town down to City Creek to the new 

West Elm store.

West Elm is really fun-

 a Gorgeous store & fantastic addition to Salt Lake City. 

It's a sister store to my work place and one of my favorite friends from work moved over there 

(Hi Emily-- miss you!) 

so I've been dying to get over there & visit.

Finally made it today-

Afterwards we headed to Kneaders for treats & to work on our Christmas list.

We've got a good start!

Actually I hate to brag but.... I've already sent off two gifts- impressive, I know!

Mr. Messer, thank you for being my date today.

I like it that you always open doors for me & carry packages.

I like that you like to see me get excited about things like a new store in town & bakeries.

I just like being with you.

what in the world?

In two weeks our Relief Society is hosting a "vintage fashion show." 

Vintage meaning, your old clothes... 

prom dresses, pant suits, etc. Even if they don't fit.

I started thinking & wondered if Chloe could fit into my wedding dress?

Oh man

I used to be that small?

~huh~

It's got a real 80's look

But I still love that dress.

sigh

been busy

I've been gone a while.

Kind of a rough week for me.

It's January.... and January is usually hard for me, so no surprise.

I get in the sun every little chance I can- which isn't too hard- it's seasonably warm (which is still cold) we've seen much more sun than a typical January.

Anyhow- I'm back & here is a bit of what I have been doing.

1. Working- inventory.

2. I finished this quilt for someone dear to me- that I started LAST JANUARY!?

 My plan was to have it finished for Christmas...

but that didn't happen.

Oh well- better late than never.

It's packed up & I mailed it off last Friday.

3. It's early out week here for Trent. He has his very last elementary parent teacher conference today! He told me this morning that it was his last conference & that he was going to ear a shirt & tie...okay?

4. I joined PINTEREST.

Oh boy

I pretty much have spent my usual blogging time pinning. PInning, pinning & more pinning.

 OH I LOVE PINTEREST!!

I told myself I wouldn't just look at pinterest but DO something about it.

TOmorrow I will show you two pinterest projects I have completed.

HOw Is YouR JaNuarY?

missionary jack's last call

Latter Day Saint (LDS) missionaries only get to call home a couple of times while on their missions. I didn't understand this rule... until Megan went to Ecuador to work in an orphanage one summer. I won't go into my "phone call theory" right now... but I do agree this is a good idea. EASIER SAID THAN DONE-- but better for everyone in the long run for many reasons. Anyhow--- HOORAY for Christmas Day because we got to talk to Jack!!!

It was glorious.

I have to say-- that I started bawling hysterically & couldn't stop about 1/2 hour before the call. I had tried really hard not to think about the phone call for so long that all of the sudden- I just broke & I was so excited! As soon as I heard his voice... I was fine. He sounded just like Jack. He sounded good. He has a bit of an accent (cute) and--- he is in full on missionary mode- hasn't thought once about coming home. I had to remind him that he does have to make some plans for coming home... college plans etc. He will be going back to BYU of course, but housing - jobs - etc. I'm glad he is not thinking about it- it will come soon enough. Still I needed to know a couple of things to help him be ready for the transition back to regular life. bummer for him - awesome for us.

So-- guess what?

Jack comes home in exactly 95 days.

CaN YOU BElieVe iT?

He will be home right smack in the middle of spring break. Plus Megan, Tony & the boys will be here. I am so excited for this week--- I can't even describe it. Also- everyone will be home for Easter. EVERYONE will be home for Easter 2012. Oh gosh- I can't think of anything I would enjoy more.

BRING ON 2012



merry christmas

I am taking a break from wrapping presents & getting ready for our Christmas Eve traditional hoagie dinner to say~

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thank you to all my friends & family for your love & support of this little blog. It is a joy to look back through & see the good times in my life.
This Christmas I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. For His birth, His life, & His atonement. I love Him. I am thankful to know that He is my brother & He is on my side.

I am also thankful for my husband & six children-- they are the joy of my life.
Oh how I wish we were all together on this special day-- but it's okay, that's what Heaven is going to be all about!

I am also thankful for my missionary. Who comes home in just over 100 days. (YES You better believe I am counting the days- no I don't tell him that, although I'm sure he knows.) Tomorrow- Christmas Day 2011- will be his third & last call home from Brazil. The next time I hear his voice it will be in person. I cannot wait to wrap my arms around him & kiss him on the face. It will be one of the best weeks in my life- as all my children will be home to celebrate Easter (and those two beautiful grand baby's of mine!!)
I remember when he left- two years seemed so far away- and yet, here we are.

NO- life here is not perfect-- I leave a lot of those details out. But, YES- life here is good.

again~
Merry Christmas
May the light of Christ our Lord bless your life as it has mine.

Love,
Patsy

5 minutes

I only have 5 minutes before I have to leave.
1. I have realized-- thanks to Beth's comment on my last post-- that I am so happy NOT having to go Brett's company Christmas party/dinner! One great thing about being laid off from that company!
2. man I hate those.
3. it's cold here
4. but I still put my make up on with a fan pointed at me.
5. I'm always HOT
6. glad the wind is gone
7. I bought & wrapped so many presents yesterday!!! woo hooo!
8. Double woo- hoo-- because so far I have stayed (strongly) in the Christmas budget.
9. Knowing I have work keeps me busy getting things done.
10. Have a GREAT day!

11. what do YOU want for Christmas?
12. soon I will make my Christmas favorite list!!!!

intimidation

(picture courtesy of betty crocker.com)

Today was a big intimidating day for me...

I taught a class at work. I've taught several classes, but this time it was much more intimidating. This time I was almost scared. I taught how to roast the perfect turkey.

Roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving is so personal- so important! I have made Thanksgiving dinner for our family at least 20 times-- (I've tried to count, but I'm not sure.) Everyone seems to have a secret for roasting a turkey- that's what I mean by personal. Thanksgiving is special (it's Brett's favorite holiday) it only comes once a year-- and like one of the attendees at my class said, "It only comes once a year, so if your turkey's not right you have to wait until next year to do it again!" So true. Sure you can make a turkey any ol' day of the year, but Thanksgiving - it's important!

Before the class started I found myself just pinging about... trying to be as best prepared as possible. WEll-- it's over.

It went great! I taught how to pick out & buya roaster & a turkey. How to clean, brine, truss, stuff, roast, glaze, and baste a turkey breast (I hate cooking turkey breast alone.) I made pan gravy & gravy from our store's gravy base so they could taste the difference. I made mashed potatoes, stuffing &served them all (small bites) with cranberry relish. It was so satisfying that everything turned out. AND.. YEs I was so very intimidated & nervous, but hurray it is over & I am breathing a bit easier.

Now-- I only have to think of something to make for dinner tonight?

For more information about getting ready for Thanksgiving go here-- or here!

cootie catching

Pick a number Ok- pick another number
one more...
now ask your question.

Now that I've been working at my job for one year, will I get a raise?

Definitely YES!!

WOO HOOO!!!!

again-

** Yesterday's quilt- YES I used the same pattern as Hailey's & Beth's. I LOVE THIS PATTERN! It is so easy to use & great for a beginner. I like how it uses so many different fabrics & can be made with a charm pack of matching fabrics (plus a couple more squares.) I have made it several times now & I will again! It's titled Vintage baby Quilt by yoyo mama designs, by Marlene Miller. I highly recommend it**