Merry Marleen

Giveaway At Simply Healthful

2011-02-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since Simply Healthful has had a giveaway. Just wanted to let everyone know. It ends tonight!

To enter go HERE.

Protect Our Food - Call to Action

2010-12-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

Last week a bill was passed in the Senate called S.510 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. This bill increases the power of how the FDA can regulate our food to an extreme.

As a mother, local organic food and sustainable agriculture advocate, this bill, if made into law will greatly change our options of food for our families. If passed, the bill allows the FDA to regulate HOW we farm our food and could deem some organic farming methods as "unsafe" and would outlaw them. They could even go as far as making genetically modified seed the only safe and lawful way to grow. That is how vague and broad this bill is and that is only a small part of the bill. The list of offensive authority that could be given to the FDA is long.

Please take action!

The Citizens.org site has made it easy to send a letter to your Representative in your area. Please take the time and let your Representative know that you disapprove this bill and will not support them voting for it.

"If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny."

-Thomas Jefferson

Baby is Growing

2010-09-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Such cute girls.

My little Anna is growing fast and can now ride on Grandpa's horse. She can also say, "All done!" after eating and climb up and down the stairs. Great!

She still won't say mama, let alone any, 'mmmmm' sounds though. Argh!

Aubrey's, Whoa Whoa, I mean Snow White's play by play

2010-09-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ahh, that was her first day guys.

No added coaching and no one going before her. Everyone busted out laughing. It was hilarious.

Can't wait for the rest of the ballet season.

Nora's Paint Party

2010-09-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

This was the most laid back party that I have put on yet. I'm still trying to figure out why. Possibly because we had just come off of Aubrey's party of 10 kids under the age of 3. Whatever it was we had fun, ate cake, and best of all painted. Even I got to paint those cute little faces!

Pictures are in no particular order.

Darci's Baby Shower Brunch

2010-09-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

My friend Darci is having a baby next week and I am so excited! It will be her first and a girl.

I know this is late coming but a few weeks ago my friend Mollie and I threw a baby shower for her. We did a brunch and it turned out so cute so I had to post pictures. Darci's nursery theme has to do with birds and it inspired us to do the same for the shower. The invites were done by my talented sister Darleen but I don't have the picture for it.

Here is how the shower turned out though.

Upon arriving, guests were to write their addresses on an envelope for a door prize. Mollie made up the cute poem.

The shower was held in Mollie's home. It was a perfect setting. Love how bright her home is.

We played gift bingo and had these fun prizes for the winners.

Mommy-to-be! Cutest pregnant lady ever. So jealous.

Nora's First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is late coming.

I can't believe we have a child in school already! She loved it and still does. I hope that lasts for 13 more years!

Family in Town

2010-08-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

My brother got married back in June to the beatiful babe on the left in the first pic. Everyone came into town and we had lots of fun eating out, shopping, going to Disneyland, Cinderella play, pedicures, swimming, and lots of Yogurtland. Love family!

July 4th Parade - A First For Them

2010-08-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

They had never seen one. It was so fun to see their excitement.

Took me back to watching the Labor day parade in Payson UT growing up.

Aubrey's Bug Party

2010-08-18T00:41:00.000-07:00

Bugtastic fun we had for such a bug-phobic child!

Not Long Enough San Diego

2010-08-16T00:31:00.000-07:00

After Disneyland we had to make a stop south of that to one of our favorite vactioning towns. You'd think we love going just for the beach, ocean breeze, and Balboa park but our favorite part to San Diego is - the Jensens. Spencer's aunt and uncle our the warmest welcoming and accommodating people I know.

Wish I had some pictures to show them off! Here are some of the girls instead.

Magical Kingdom

2010-08-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

I really thought it was going to be crazy and frustrating waiting in lines - it wasn't. Does Disneyland get better with age? It has with me. They really know how to use that magic.

Happy 6th!

2010-07-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures from our wedding. The wedding day was over and we were being whisked away in our limo. We have that look - pure joy! I'm sure mixed in with relief and excitement that the day was finally over and our life together had begun. I loved you then and I love you more now. Happy anniversary Spencer!

Mother-in-law Gift?

2010-06-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

Ahh, I'm pretty sure you win Spencer. Favorite son-in-law status is all yours.

So my husband whipped this garden bridge out over a period of 5 days working about 26 hours. Did I mention he looked at a picture said, "I like that one." and drew out his own pattern of it?

Also, after he finished at 11:30pm he drove over to my mom's house and carried it into her backyard. She's in for a sweet surprise tomorrow morning.

Reading the Paper

2010-05-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Do the Comics count? In our family they most difinitely do! Love this shot.

Cami's Kindness Day

2010-04-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today is my niece Camille's birthday. She would have turned 3 this year. Camille and Aubrey were closest in age as cousins. We have tried to keep Camille alive in our girl's memories since her passing.

We sing Camille's lullaby at night to the girls. We talk about where she is on a regular basis. Nora is constantly asking us when Camille will be resurrected. We recently went to visit her grave, which also brought up a lot of questions from Nora about death and resurrection.

Today, to continue in the spirit of keeping her alive in our memories, we will be participating in Cami's Kindness Day. In honor of Camille's birthday we will do an act of kindness as a gift to her.

We love and miss her. All are invited we hope that in sharing this you too will feel a desire to give a gift to Camille for her birthday. Have a great day!

Nora Showing Some Sass

2010-04-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Nora has memorized some of the Article's of Faith. We try to refresh her memory every now and then. Today, I thought I would record it. I was expecting the norm but here's what she had to say.

Suprise Spencer!

2010-04-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Spencer's 35th birthday yesterday by taking him out to a nice dinner just the two of us at Vintner Grill.

Well, according to Spencer it was just the two of us until we arrived and he was greeted by 17 of his closest friends and family in town.

We had a great time and the food was so very yummy. The picture was taken by my new iphone. What . . . who's birthday is it? If you are wanting to know, I love the phone.

My Easter Bunnies

2010-04-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

My cute babes with cousins and some very yummy food!

Two Week Weight Loss Planner

2010-03-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

I'm getting back to a healthy state and would love the company. Go here and you can follow me on my journey and join me too!

More From the Blessing Day

2010-03-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Some more pictures I got from Amy, my sister-in-law/budding photographer. Thanks Amy!

Blessing Anna

2010-03-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

Had to put up these pictures before time got away from Anna's blessing day.

Anna Upclose

2009-12-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

Here are the closeups of Anna people have been asking for. I had to include a side view of her cute upturned nose.

I hope all of you have a very merry Christmas this week.

Nora and the Nutcracker

2009-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Nora had another successful session of dancing, ending with a very sweet Nutcracker themed parent open house. Doesn't she look so precious in her Clara costume?

Hospital Stay

2009-12-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

I love this picture. This was the first time the girls got to see their new baby sister and I think Aubrey was more happy to see the cool room behind the window then Anna. Aubrey finally noticed Anna when I showed them the black umbilical cord on her belly button.

So here is the brief story of why she was in the hospital for the first week of her life . . .

She pooped before she came out.

Meconium in the amniotic fluid can be kind of scary for baby's health after birth so all precautions were taken. Anna is happy, healthy, and well and now on to greater new things, like breastfeeding.

Birth story soon to come and of course more pictures of Anna.

Nora, Aubrey, and . . .

2009-12-14T15:48:00.000-08:00

Anna Marleen Gunnerson!

She's finally home after a short stay in the hospital.

Born December 7 weighing in at 7 lbs 15 oz and 19 in.

more pictures to come

Nora's Fancy Birthday

2009-08-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

This year we decided we were only going to do a small party for Nora so she was only allowed to invite her two cousins in town. We thought it would save on cost which I'm sure it did but it still felt like a pretty penny.

She wanted a fancy tea party based off the Fancy Nancy books. It turned out very cute and very 'fancy' according to what little girls find fancy. I usually love making homemade cakes or cupcakes but again was not as ambitious (because I'm pregnant), as I usually am so we opted for The Cupcakery here in Vegas. I love how their frosting has edible glitter to top it off.

Reunion Trip

2009-08-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

One of our summer vacations was to our yearly reunion for Spencer's extended family in Lava Hot Springs, ID. Our families favorite parts were the kid activities, including making bubbles with hangers and swinging on the little playground. Spencer and I got to play golf in the family Gunnar Cup Golf Tournament, which we love. We didn't place well but we had fun doing it none the less.

Then we traveled back to see Grandma G perform in the choir and tour Temple Square. It was a short trip but was full of good times and great memories.

Aubrey's Birthday

2009-08-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

I must relay to you that as of late I have been unmotivated to blog much. For now, I will blame it on being pregnant. But alas, I cannot allow Fall to come without any updating.

We had a wonderful time for Aubrey's 2nd birthday. No major party or theme just a small family gathering and celebration for my 'bubber boo'. Aubrey was ecstatic about receiving a wooden stove top range with baking set. It has been fun to watch her and Nora pretend to cook up some fabulous spreads and eat them up!

If You Didn't Already Know . . .

2009-05-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

We're pregnant! And today they moved my due date a week up to Dec 2nd. Ultrasounds are the best and we are even more excited now after seeing this new wonder healthy, well, and kicking.

Nora came with us and kept on directing the ultrasound tech to show her this and that and to stop pausing the picture. She is hoping for a baby brother. We shall see if she gets her wish in another two months.

All Fairytales End

2009-05-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Nora's ballet classes have come to an end this session and it has been so fun and magical. These are the pictures from Aladdin week, which was one of my favorites. Take note at Nora's perfect form. I can't help but be a proud mama. Now we are getting ready for swim lessons. Wish us luck!

Aubrey rubbing the magic genie lamp just like her older sister.

Nora's sweet dance teachers, one who played Aladdin.

Easter Beauties

2009-04-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

My girls were decked out in the same attire for Easter, thanks to an amazingly talented Aunt Amy. Thanks Amy!

Birthday Wishes

2009-04-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

I love this man! Happy birthday my sweetheart . . .

Feeling Easter

2009-04-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

The holidays are definitely getting more fun as my children grow older. At Nora's dance class they dressed up like bunnies and read Peter Rabbit as well as danced to Peter Cottontail. It was adorable and fun.

I'm looking forward to hearing General Conference and getting more in the true feeling of Easter. Have a great weekend!

Life/Lost

2009-03-25T19:56:00.001-07:00

We love DVR . . .

But now I feel on Wednesday nights my Life is Lost and sometimes I Lie to Me that I'm not wasting my time.

Am I alone on this?

This is My Ballet . . .

2009-03-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

For our ward talent show Nora performed one of her many freestyle ballets. Enjoy!

St. Patty Food and Fun

2009-03-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

What cool green food have you been making today? We made the St. Patrick's Day version of this recipe and both girls loved it. I heard that a leprechan left his pot of gold in my backyard too! Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Recent Ramblings of My Small Children

2009-03-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

Nora:

"This little piggie went to the market, this little piggie stayed home, this little piggie had rose berries (at first I thought she said rosemary), this little piggie had none, and this little piggie went we we all the way home!"

Probably wouldn't seem that funny to most everyone but it so shows you whose child she is! She probably has never been served roast beef in her life.

Aubrey:

Aubrey - "Mama! Mama! Wan go!"

Me - "I don't think so babe. Daddy will be home soon and we'll be eating dinner."

Aubrey (clearly bummed out and walking away) - "Ah, man!"

Probably wouldn't seem that funny to most everyone but she is still a small baby. It was hilarious!

Fancy Fun

2009-03-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

We love the handmade tepee Grandma G gave Nora for Christmas. The girls love to stuff it with pillows and drink their milk in there.

Nora had a stupendous idea today! Very similar to an idea that you would find in a Fancy Nancy book.

She and I added some feminine touches to her tepee to make it fancy.

The girls found it very fabulous and comfy afterwards.

Clown Ballet

2009-03-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

We started Nora up in dance classes again. This time around we went with a place my friend Mindy told me about. This was our second time there. Before we went Nora asked me about 15 times if it was time to go to dance yet.

She really likes to dance.

The students get to dress up every week in something corresponding with that weeks theme. This week was Olivia Saves the Circus, hence the abnoxiously huge bow tie. Nora looked so cute sassing up the ballet floor with her form of clown dance.

"Nora, show me how you point your toe!"

We've Been Featured

2009-03-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Yippee! Simply Healthful was featured today by Molly over at My Favorite Things. Thanks Molly.

Tropical Traditions

2009-03-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

I love what they sell and I am so excited about their giveaway!

Movie Review

2009-02-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

A wonderful lady recommended and let me borrow the controversial film The Business of Being Born, which was produced by Ricci Lake and directed by Abby Epstein. Have you heard of it?

My first reaction . . . wow! I will forever look at the journey of having a baby differently now. It was very enlightening.

A caution to those who watch: It is graphic, very much so. It wouldn't phase any doctors but it did me.

Before the Month Ends . . .

2009-02-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

I need to give a shout out to my younger brother Stephen who had a birthday at the beginning of this month. For his birthday he asked for something similar to last year. Happy Birthday Stephen!

As you can see, Stephen loves to have a good time with whatever he's handed in life.

Nora loves any sweets her mama makes. I love that girl!

Under Construction

2009-02-18T20:58:00.000-08:00

The main level of my house has a thin layer of brown dust all over it. Part of my Valentine's gift from my husband.

Thanks, honey.

I've been vacuuming all day.

There are still some finishing touches to be done. Pictures will be forthcoming.

Can this be possible? I actually enjoy sweeping my new floor.

Thanks, honey.

Such a sweet face!

Love Letters

2009-02-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

My friend Heather is such a wonderful mom. This week she is writing a love letter a day for each of her children. Inspired, I'll be doing the same just in my journal. I gotta write something in there these 'blogging' days.

Nora's Equation

2009-02-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

Nora getting dressed up in princess jewels and such instead of napping = Nora sleeping through her favorite Barbie Nutcracker movie.

Yes, she still takes a nap and yes she still needs it.

Darleen Meier Valentine Giveaway

2009-02-08T21:43:00.001-08:00

Yippee for my sister's giveaway featured on Simply Healthful. I so wish Spencer could enter but I'd feel selfish if he won since I get her stuff all the time. I want to share the Valentine love, so head on over, you only have until Wednesday.

Blog Slurping is Back

2009-02-04T22:55:00.001-08:00

Blurb and Blogger got their acts together and now the slurping action is available again on their newest BookSmart release. This is wonderful news. Hurray!

Grandma's Wisdom

2009-02-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

My girls and I love to visit Grandma. We usually get to experience something domestically wonderful and most often tasty. Today, it was juicing oranges. Nora loved it. She is always trying to use my manual juicer (I don't even know what to call it), and will give up a second into it because it's too hard for her to use. The whole time I watched Nora pressing down on those oranges I was thinking, "man, I need to get me a juicer." I could get Nora to make us freshly squeezed OJ every week!

Vintage Valentine Keepsake

2009-02-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

Every holiday my mom brings out her decor she has accumulated from past years and usually there will be something I have never seen or haven't seen for years. This Valentine card that she brought out with her heart chocolates and chocolate kisses (yum), was one item I had never seen. Here is a card received by my grandfather from TWO admirers in a grade school class (yeah, I'm not surprised, he was a pretty cool guy). It is small and delicate and beautiful. I love these type of treasures from the past.

I love this style of card too with the sweet poetry rhymes that leave warm fuzzy feelings in a person. I've noticed many of these type of cards were not signed inside. I wonder if that was how they did things back then.

Do you remember giving and receiving Valentines in grade school? Decorating coffee cans or shoe boxes in pink and red, with your name on it in numerous places so that people would know for sure that that was your Valentine mail box.

While admiring my grandfather's card, I reminisced with family members of our childhood memories of the holiday. I never realized how much I liked this holiday or used to like this holiday, until now. Love is cool enough to honor a day for it, right?

Tomorrow, I think I will have the girls start making their Valentines they were supposed to send out last year. Last year I must have been lacking in love for this upcoming holiday. Better late then never right? Again, I might add, don't you just love my grandfather's Valentine. I had to put up a Valentine favorite this year in keeping tradition with last year. I think I might try to find some vintage Valentine cards myself. Let me know if you know where to find any.

Book Giveaway

2009-01-27T15:00:00.001-08:00

I love to read books, especially when they are one of my favorite subjects. Go here to enter.

Honoring Eli

2009-01-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

My girls are so excited for thier new baby cousin Eli, who just arrived days ago. I love how beautiful his hair is. Compared to my babies, Eli, is well endowed in the hair department.

Aubrey got all messy with her morning breakfast the other day and ended up with this fauxhawk. Nora and I thought it looked like Eli's. A bit more sparse though, I'd say.

Instilling Gratitude

2009-01-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

I had a great day. I hope you did too. To get the story of my clean fridge go here.

Favorites . . .

2009-01-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

My friend tagged me. But, in taking my turn at being tagged (something I don't always look forward to, hint hint), I am changing the tag up so not to take me forever to complete. There have been many a tag I haven't completed. Sorry friends who I've done that to, I still love you.

My Fav's

1. What is your favorite show?

You mean showtune, right?

2. What is your favorite restaurant?

Right now, Bouchon in the Venetian

3. A favorite of yesterday?

Snuggling with my honey

4. Something you look forward to?

Doing some more snuggling tonight

5. A wish at the top of your list?

That Simply Healthful will actually be, in the end, helpful

6. Favorite Person?

Spencer aka "my honey"

Thanks Liz for thinking of me.

Tailor My Jeans 101

2009-01-18T23:22:00.000-08:00

If any of you know me, you know that I am pretty short in height. Fitting well into jeans has always been an issue my whole life. Buying a near perfect fit is impossible, even at the designer jean store where they have jeans for my height. Usually, after purchasing a new pair of jeans, there has to be a tailoring job in order. And, of course I want that sweet finished look on the hem that the designers do. So, this time I decided to take you with me through the process. We shall see how well the pictures do at telling you how I do it.

Activity Days Gift

2009-01-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

I just put this together for a young girl in my Activity Days group. Her birthday is on Friday and she will be moving on to the older girls group. Everything for the gift was extremely discounted which made this even more fun for me to put together. In my mind I think I would like this if I was turning eight. What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Super Healthy Kids

2009-01-11T21:54:00.000-08:00

So, although I didn't get to enter in that giveaway since I am a contributor on Simply Healthful, I still got to get a free plate since I ordered from Super Heathy Kids and mentioned the plates here on my blog. Very cool. And, I was so excited to use them I just had to share the kids first meal with you. It really does help remind me how much fruits and veggies I should be putting on their plates. The girls first meal was an avocado salad with dressing and sides of lentil soup (we loved the lentel soup so much we made it again tonight), and whole grain bread. They didn't make it through the whole salad but I was surprised at how much they did eat. I love these new plates!

Heads up there is another giveaway going on over at Simply Healthful. Check it out.

Reminder: Simply Healthful Giveaway

2009-01-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Have you made a comment to enter yourself into the giveaway yet? Don't forget, it ends tonight at midnight PST.

Birthday Gift

2009-01-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

My sweet and talented sister Darleen, sent me this beauty for my birthday. You can find it here.

Simply Healthful's First Ever Giveaway!

2009-01-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

Get you and your kids started off healthy this year. Head on over to Simply Healthful to enter into our first ever giveaway. And, while you're there take a button.

Check out Super Healthy Kids for more of their healthy kid products.

Dancing in the New Year

2009-01-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

We had a blast at my sister Julene's house for New Year's Eve. Besides the homemade Chinese food (thanks Mercedi for the scrumptious recipes, they worked out great), dancing to some sweet music was my favorite highlight of the night.

Catching Up: Lights at Temple Square

2009-01-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

When in Salt Lake City during the holidays, one must always visit Temple Square and see the lights.

Catching Up: Christmas Festivities

2009-01-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

We had a great time up in Utah with Spencer's side of the family for Christmas. We already miss you all. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Catching Up: We Went Caroling on My Birthday

2009-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

I make it a point to go because I love it so much, even when it falls on my birthday.

Happy Birthday to Me

2008-12-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm fishing for some birthday love. Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas. I'll see how blogging goes during this weeks festivities.

Gifting

2008-12-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

I started preparing for this year's Christmas gifts that we give away to friends, in the summer. My mom helped me bottle up some sweet marion berry jam and I set them aside so I wouldn't have to hastfully put gifts together for Christmas like I usually do. Well, I'm still hastfully doing it but I guess it would be worse if I had done nothing at all. This year I paired the jam with a mini loaf of cranberry bread. Both are delightfully yummy. I got bored with the usual gift wrap so I wrapped them in some fabric I had in my stash. I thought they turned out nice.

Snow, Snow, Snow . . .

2008-12-15T22:00:00.000-08:00

SNOWWW! It won't be long, la da la da la da la SNOWWW, Snowww la da la da la da la da la da la snowww. That song from White Christmas has been playing over and over in my head all day long. The girls and I were extra cheery all day with the change in weather. The last time I can remember snow in Vegas was back when I was in high school. This was a great test run for our upcoming trip to Utah for Christmas. We found out we are not really outfitted to play in the snow when we get there. An outing is due to buy the girls some snow gear that fits.

Look where the sleeves end on Nora's arms. I think the coat size is 18-24 months. We like to get our money's worth in this family . . . poor child.

Those are inches of snow that fell here. Pretty sweet for us Vegans.

Pass it Along . . .

2008-12-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Christmas! I am announcing that the health blog is ready. Visit the much anticipated Simply Healthful. You can enjoy great recipes (like my Christmas Lasagna, pictured above), and articles to keep you and your family happy and well. We have some amazing contributors. Visit often, we will be having healthful giveaways from time to time. Don't forget to pass this along and take a blinkie while you are there. Enjoy!

Busy Life and Sweet Beginnings

2008-12-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

For the past few days I feel I have let the house go without noticing. Today, I woke up and noticed the piles of laundry scattered here and there, stickers the girls stuck to the linoleum in the kitchen (they won't come up, I'll have to get something to scrape it off), the counter tops are full of miscellaneous items. You can see from the picture Spencer took on Sunday, that I'm telling the truth. You can also see, if you look real close, the early Christmas present (look all the way to the left), Spencer got for us.

For now letting it go has been worth it, I'm so excited for the upcoming launch of the health blog I can hardly contain it. It will be soon, I promise.

I finally got my dress I'm to wear to the Christmas work party. Then I tried it on and found the fabric pulled funny in the front and decided I didn't want to be the cutest pregnant girl there (mind you I'm NOT pregnant). That is one of the biggest draw backs of shopping online. So, I ordered another dress and I'm crossing my fingers that it gets hear on time (I'm keeping the other. During prego years it's always nice to have a flattering dress to wear).

Sunday was the first moment, in the past few days, that I truly felt I had time to be domestic. After making a delicious Sunday meal we had family over and Nora and I made gingerbread cookies.

Aubrey helped out by cleaning up after us.

If you didn't try out this recipe last year when I posted about them, you must try it this year. By far the chewiest, softest, yummiest gingerbread cookies ever! Making these will be a tradition from here on out during this season. I'd make it a tradition every month, but I know better.

Coming Soon

2008-12-01T22:55:00.000-08:00

The health blog design is coming along. This is only a snippit. I am so excited for the launch I just had to share a little something before hand. It has been fun working with Charyce of Day Dreams by Design. She has some great design sense. Thanks Charyce!

Aubrey's Remedy for All

2008-11-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

I think Aubrey has the right idea about how to lessen the pressure of a Thanksgiving meal. My pants myself were feeling a bit snug. Thanksgiving dinner was very generous to me this year and I'll be working it off for the next few weeks. We had a great time with family, friends, food and more family. Hope all of you had a wonderful holiday weekend too.

My Sister Had a Boy!

2008-11-29T22:36:00.000-08:00

Isn't he so precious? I can't wait to get a hold of him. Congrats to the happy parents. I love the words my sister shared on Jackson's blog announcement. Lots of mommy love.

Whata Bout These?

2008-11-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

From top left here, here, here and here.

Mother Dear

2008-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

There is a reason why my girls always want to be near you. I feel the same way. I love you. Happy birthday.

I'll be posting a picture of when she was younger soon.

It's That Time

2008-11-19T21:43:00.000-08:00

The date has been set. I am to find a dress to wear to Spencer's work Christmas party. The party is usually a big soiree so I like to dress in something formal yet still comfortable. I haven't been able to find anything that fits that bill. I really like the dress above but find the whole sizing thing on Etsy a bit unreliable. Any thoughts on where to buy something formal yet comfortable and most definitely MODEST?

Wish List Items

2008-11-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

I've been needing to compile my wish list for the in-laws (for some reason we don't do this on my side of the family) and came across this website while visiting Oh Happy Day. A different vision then fashion and design came to my mind.

The List:

Dell Inspiron 1526 in some awesome color (doesn't have to be yellow)
A stylish bag to put it in (doesn't have to be the bag above but I do like)
Sushi set for two or four and sushi mat
Slippers
New flooring in kitchen and entry (by all means if your feeling generous go right ahead)
A good classic chick book (I've been wanting Jane Eyre but any Jane Austen would do too)

After writing this out I feel like the true spirit of Christmas went right out my door. Darn it.

I'll have to go back and tinker with Winter fashion ensembles. It is fun to layer and see what you can create. Check it out here.

Here is the Wish List

Beauty and the Beast

2008-11-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

Nora and I went to Disney's Beauty and the Beast play this past weekend. I was truly impressed in the production considering it was done at a local library in a small theater. Nora liked most of it but there were some scary parts that she had to nuzzle her head into my shoulder and I would plug her ears (wolves and Beast roaring). We got to take a few pictures with the cast. Stephen, my brother, came with us. He is actually dating the extra in the bottom left corner pic. Cute, huh? Sadly the pic with Stephen is not so cute. It's your own fault (he loves making faces for my camera).

Art

2008-11-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

Anyone who loves or even likes art will enjoy this website. Very kid friendly too.

{pic via 2modern}

Picture Wall

2008-11-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

Spencer and I recently updated our family picture wall and since, it has brought me much joy. He caught me staring at it the other day. He knows I really like it. There are so many memories there and family legacy. I just love it and love to look at it.

Indoor/Outdoor

2008-11-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

Slippers. I'd like a pair for each level of my home. We have three. I'm liking these right now.

Dolphin Habitat

2008-11-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

We were able to attend a sweet VIP birthday party at the Dolphin Habitat at Mirage in honor of my brother-in-law and nephew. The kids loved it. Even the babies were genuinely interested and excited. I'm beginning to see why our Las Vegas Zoo isn't do so well here. They have this awesome dolphin exhibit and more to compete with.

Aubrey waiting for the dolphin to come back. Don't be fooled by her face, she loved the dolphins.

Ride on Cowgirl

2008-11-06T23:29:00.000-08:00

I'd like to brag about Nora, did I tell you she is reading books now? It has been fun reading stories with her, now that she can sound out words. Sometimes, I get this feeling that she just knows certain things even though we haven't taught her out right. A couple of weeks ago she recited from memory the first five Articles of Faith to the older Primary kids, she's only in Nursery. The kids were great to her, cheered, gave high fives, even came up to her after church to tell her how cool it was that she knew them. All the attention didn't even phase her. She wanted to go back to Nursery and play with her friends. She just learned the sixth a few days ago.

Along with her amazing mental ability to retain information, she loves to dance. I recently was having a conversation with her when mid-sentence she stopped, looked at me and said, "Mom, I gotta dance." Then proceeded to run into the family room and began to dance. It was a priceless moment, she has some pretty awesome moves.

Forever ago we taught her a lesson on modesty during family home evening (the reason why is a whole other story). Since then that topic comes up in conversation with her often. Sometimes she talks about it in public. Like the time we were in Target and the whole family next to us in the isle, including the mom, was dressed immodestly. So, Nora turns to me and asks, "Mama why are they not dressed modest?" We were right next to them, RIGHT next to them, within inches. We have had a few of those incidents and we'll be teaching in FHE a lesson on being kind to other's feelings soon.

I just love how she marches to the beat of her own drummer. Wow, this turned out to be long. I guess I am one of those parents. Oh well. Yeehaw, ride on cowgirl.

Sophistimom

2008-11-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

On a search for squash soup inspiration the other day, I came across the delightful blog, Sophistimom. I not only got inspired by her squash soup but also by her sweet momming talent (I know, I just made that word up, like many of my words), and ability to capture what she makes for dinner. I'll be adding this one to my inspiring blog list. Check it out here.

Love

2008-11-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

These beautiful girls have been given to me on loan from Heavenly Father. Lucky me. Sometimes it just hits me hard how blessed I am. In this crazy world - at this crazy time, I feel blessed.

I Run for Nie

2008-11-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

That is what the sticker said that we wore on our body for the 5k in honor of Stephanie and Christian Nelson. Saturday had perfect weather. It was great to see the crowd of people when we drove up all geared up for the race. We made it a family event so Spencer and the girls accompanied me. It was a feel good morning all around; great cause; good workout; great company; met blogging buddy Aranne and her husband (it was great meeting you!); saw and chatted with two of the Earl brothers from my growing up years in Reno and my friend Lyndsay with newborn Zackery. Yes, an all over feel good morning.

Costumes

2008-11-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, visited Grandma's house on Halloween. Some may find it cruel that I dressed up my baby girl as a wolf but I thought she looked pretty cute, even if people couldn't tell whether she was a girl or a boy. I wish although, I would have made her a snout so others would have been able to guess what she was ("Is she a bear?"), there would have been no way she would have kept that on though.

Before taking these pictures, Nora, had a blue popsicle and stained her mouth and lips. We rubbed all we could but to no avail. So, we ended up putting lipstick on her 3 year-old lips. In her toothy smile you can still see blue. She had such fun since she was finally understanding the concept of Halloween. Now, if only she understood that the holiday was over. I would not feel so bombarded with questions like, "Mom, will you make me a blue Cinderella gown?" or, "Mom, will you make me a blue gown?" and, "Oh, you can't make me one? Well, then can you make me a green and pink gown instead?"

I wanted to show you a picture of Nora's pointed hood and vest. I loved the end result. I felt like she popped right out of the fairy tale's pages.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Have a spooktacular day! Happy Halloween.

Mutze Mutze

2008-10-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

I want Mutze! My friend Ashley, over at Mutze by Ashley, never seizes to amaze me with her knitting creations. I'd love one of each please.

Halloween's Past

2008-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Some have asked what Spencer and I are dressing up as this year for Halloween. We have had a tradition since being married to dress up every year. Well, I am sorry to say that Spencer and I decided to break tradition. We were feeling bound to it and wanted to break the chains of tradition. We are not dressing up this year. But don't fret, there will be other Halloween's for us. I leave with you pictures of the costumes we've choosen (usually the week of), the past three years. Happy Halloween.

Run For Nie

2008-10-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday Las Vegan's have the chance to run/walk a 5k for a great cause. To find out more information look here. 100 percent of the proceeds go straight to Stephanie and Christian's Recovery.

Little Red Riding Hood

2008-10-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

I got crafty on my kids this year. Show you more later.

Looking For . . .

2008-10-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

contributors. I have had this crazy idea in my mind for some time now and I am finally ready to pursue it. I am in the works of creating a health blog. It will be mostly geared toward food choices and recipes but it will also highlight some other important aspects of health (exercise, spirituality, and any other topic that relates to living a healthy life).

So, I am on the prowl for health conscience contributors for the blog.

Are any of you interested?

Keep in mind this is a blog geared about making healthy choices not healthier choices. Let me explain, the blog is not trying to be the next Cooking Light website (instead of using whole milk in this recipe I will make a healthier choice by only using 1 percent milk). I am gearing this blog to be one to help others make healthy choices for themselves and their families on a daily basis.

Still interested or just confused? Read on.

I am looking for contributors that are already thinking outside the American food-diet box. Those who either through formal education, sickness, or just trial and error have realized different ways to live a healthy life.

For those that are interested, email me merrymarleen@gmail.com and let me know what crazy health ideas you have. Know, that I will be selective on choosing contributors - to find those who will "merry" well with the new blog. Don't let that stop you from emailing me though. I would love to hear your thoughts and I will respond to each email I receive.

Bake and Serve

2008-10-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

I love the La Champa bakeware from The Road Less Traveled Store. It's lead free and you can microwave with it too. It is also very pretty.

{via the craft kitchen}

Leona Naess

2008-10-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

Listening and enjoying this, this late afternoon.

Countertop Composte Bin

2008-10-20T01:06:00.000-07:00

I've been shopping around for a composter and came across this portable kitchen composter. It would work perfectly since our living space is on the 2nd floor of our house. Which makes it hard to get to the backyard. The site to buy it from is very cool too and very green. Love it. Check it out here.

Western Style

2008-10-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

We've been invited to a Western Harvest Festival tonight. I like dressing myself and my family up for themed events like this. While getting ready this morning I remembered a post that Darling Darleen did a while back and was inspired to put a braid in my hair (you'd think as a cosmetologist I'd do more with my hair on a daily basis). I broke out my sweet buckle I inherited from my dad too. I wish I had a cowboy hat and boots, then I'd feel my ensemble was complete. Someone once told me I have a "regal" nose (a nice way of saying your nose is big with a bump on it). The picture above I think shows it off real well.

Happy Birthday Cinderella

2008-10-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

If you add a 2 to that 4 (meaning 42, sorry for those I confused, my writing is not always clear), in the picture that is how old the girl in the picture is now. My sweet sister Julene, just had a birthday yesterday. She is amazing. She is the oldest in our family and definitely set the tone in the right direction for all the rest of us nine kids. She is amazing and I will leave it at that of how amazing she really is because the list keeps on growing of amazingness. But here are a few pics to show you.

She is cool and brave enough to wear jewelry in the pool.

She happily obliged to come as Cinderella to Nora's last birthday party. She even "played" Cinderella the whole time ("Why, yes I live in a castle with the prince," and, "yes, my stepmother was mean to me but I forgave her.").

Magic

2008-10-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

I believe that my baby has magical powers. She can easily brighten my mood, melt my heart, make me laugh and then take it all away- like that (snap). She even plays on her ability like a magician plays to the audience. Lately, she hasn't been using her magical powers as much. I'm thinking a bout of illness and cutting teeth are the reasons for this. I'm hoping these reasons are short lived. In the meantime, I'm hoping my mommy magic will do the trick.

Pumpkining

2008-10-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Who said you couldn't grow anything in Vegas? My family and I ventured off to the local orchard here in Vegas this past weekend. It was the first day of cold and although cold (the weather dropped 30 degrees within two days), it finally feels like Fall. I am loving it. We even ate some soup that night and wore socks to sleep. Which reminds me, I still need to put some costumes together for a harvest festival this upcoming weekend (shoot!). No matter what, Halloween always seems to "creep" up on me.

Candid pictures of Aubrey and Nora.

Nora helping Aubrey pick out her pumpkin

Nora trying to warm up.