Ten Years.

Ten years ago today we were here.

I can't imagine a day without you.

Someone said Tin or Aluminum was an appropriate gift.

How about Tungsten Carbide?

You know, to replace the TWO you've lost.

Happy Anniversary, my dear.

I love you more than I could ever say.

Kisses,

Your Dandee

Drawer Organization.

This is what I saw in the girls room this morning after I dropped the children off at school. Abigail's bed was neatly made, her toys were picked up off the floor, and her laundry was put away. Well...sort of. This is how she put her and Audrey's clothes away. At the moment, their dresser is over flowing. There are clothes that Audrey has outgrown and no rhyme or reason to this space at all. In fact, there just isn't enough space for the two of them anymore in this one lone dresser. My task for the day is to get this figured out. Sort, organize, and perhaps take advantage of the ample space in the closet. I'm thinking something like this may help. But with drawers, instead of shelves.

My children have chores that they are expected to do everyday. Making their beds and putting away their clean laundry are two of them. Unfortunately, the boys dresser looks similar to this. How do I help them put their things away neatly, so I'm not having to iron clothes before school everyday? I need your help!

How do you keep your children's dressers clean and tidy?

Baby Shower Banner.

A couple of weeks ago I was crazy inspired by this darling garland. So inspired infact, that I made my own version for my sweet friend Lindsay's baby shower.

Materials:

***vintage book pages

***kraft paper

***white and pale blue cupcake liners

***twine

After dreaming of cupcake liners for a week, it was very rewarding to get this project out of my brain and made into something lovely.

Things I Love About January: Exhibit G

Juicy, sweet clementine oranges. They are delicious and beautiful.

Especially on a gray day like today.

Edward Cullen Valentine.

This is for all of you Twilight fans. Give one to your love this Valentine's Day. I'm sure he'd appreciate it. You can get yours here.

Things I Love About January: Exhibit F

Watching Mr. Owen fall asleep while warming his toes.

What could be more cozy?

Back In Business.

After a little hiatus the shop is open for business. Spring In A Can is back and so are a few pretty valentine treats. Go here for a little look-see.

Whole Wheat Bread Recipe.

I heard a rumor that some of you dears wanted my whole wheat bread recipe after seeing this picture. I adapted my recipe from my mother in laws famous bread recipe.

Whole Wheat Bread

2 C. warm water

2 T. yeast

1/2 C. oil

2 eggs

1/4 C. honey

7 C. whole wheat flour

1 1/2 t. salt

I grind my wheat bi-weekly right before I bake my bread. Saturdays and Wednesdays are bread baking days and provides four loaves to last us the week. [the children take cold lunch, that is why we go through so much] At the moment, I only have hard red wheat in storage, so that's what I've been grinding.

Proof yeast in 1/2 C. warm water and a little sugar. Add remaining water, oil, eggs, honey, and half the flour in mixer. Mix well. While still mixing add salt and remaining flour until sides of bowl clean themselves and dough is slightly sticky. Knead 10 minutes. Form into loaves and place in sprayed pans. Let rise until double. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Make sure you enjoy a warm slice from the oven smothered with homemade jam. It's really lovely.

3:45.

It's 3:45.

The children are home from school.

I may or may not be in pj's.

Audrey has traces of lunch on her face.

Owen hasn't stopped coughing since Friday.

Audrey now has Owen's cough.

And a fever.

Running nose? Check.

Plus a couple of molars making their way up through her gums.

And...she's still a happy doll. [well, mostly]

Happy Monday to you, dear friends!

Supermom Series.

The darling Lyndsay asked if I would write up a little blurb on how I manage to stay organized for her "Supermom Series". I give away all my secrets here. Would you like to be more thrifty? Read Katie's submission here. Have you been thinking of going green? Emily has some amazing tips and advice for us all here. These are both great reads with fantastic ideas and tips to help you along the way. Thank you Lyndsay, for including lil ol' me.

Things I Love About January: Exhibit E.

Spending the afternoon brewing soup and baking cornbread muffins with Owen. Watch out Bobby Flay.

Pretty Swank GIVEAWAY!

My dear friends the Fox sisters from the sweetest etsy shop, Pretty Swank have offered up some AMAZING things in a giveaway for all of you over at My Favorite Things. Don't miss out...

Original Acoustic Album

Sweetheart Vintage Paper Pack

Happy Birthday banner

If you can believe it there's even more! Hop over to see all of the goodies!

Masculine Birthday Banner.

I had a difficult time figuring out what to do for Easton's birthday banner this year. I knew it had to be printed in blue [his favorite color], but wanted a more masculine look. A friend suggested clipping the letter cards I made to jute using binder clips. Eureka! I love the way it turned out and Easton did too.

Things I Love About January: Exhibit D.

The smell of freshly baked bread on a chilly winter morning.

Things I Love About January: Exhibit C.

This boy. Today he is nine. Nine. NINE! And this is exactly how I find him every single morning when I crawl out of bed. Rumpled white undershirt, cozy spot on the couch in front of the fire, book in hand. Reading is his passion and I'm sure he has far surpassed the number of books I have read in my life. Maybe twice over. Ryan and I were talking the other night about what a joy Easton is in our lives. He loves to help people, he is level headed, he is fun, and one thing I have noticed lately: He loves to make others feel good about themselves. Frankly, every mother should have an Easton. He makes me completely utterly happy and thankful. I'm sure I don't deserve him, but I'm so very grateful he's mine.

Happy Birthday dear boy!

Things I Love About January: Exhibit B.

Paperwhites in bloom.

29 Weeks.

Oh, boy! This wee babe is getting bigger and I feel I'm on the brink. The brink of the uncomfortable stage of pregnancy. Where tossing over in bed isn't as easy as it sounds. Where lifting a 25 pound-15 month old baby girl takes some serious leg strength. Where the 14 steps upstairs is more daunting than before. But also where this miracle inside becomes more powerful. Where this babe is reminding me to take a step back and enjoy this journey. Where my older children marvel at the kicks and bumps coming from inside, tapping their sweet hands. Where I keep thinking over and over and over..."take a breath, put your feet up, relax, enjoy, remember...document."

Things I Love About January: Exhibit A.

Mirrors reflecting the sunlight around the cozy brick house.

Sister Hinckley's Bran Muffins.

A friend passed along this recipe after finding it in Marjorie Pay Hinckley's book "Small and Simple Things." I will be forever thankful and you will be too, if you try it.

Refrigerator Bran Muffins

2 cups boiling water

6 cups Kellogg's All Bran Cereal

1 cup shortening

1 1/2 Cups sugar

4 eggs

1 quart buttermilk

5 cups flour

5 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

Pour boiling water over bran cereal in a large bowl. Add shortening. Stir to mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop spoonfuls into muffin tin and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.

The best part about this recipe is that it makes TONS! I use half the batter to bake about 24 muffins. The rest of the batter goes into an airtight container and into the fridge for muffins on demand. Sister Hinckley said she did the same thing and her batter would keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Happy Monday and happy baking, friends!

Well Hello, 2009!

My 2009 resolutions came easily. These are things I have been thinking about for months. Ways to improve myself, my family, my life.

::Physical::

*Be strong.

*Get body back after my little babe arrives.

*Really think about the food I put into my body. Make healthier choices.

::Personal::

*Organize. Organize. Organize.

*Don't let the new baby be an excuse to not get ready for the day [look put together]

*Take a cooking class.

::Spiritual::

*Continue doing this with the children.

*Continue going here to renew and connect.

*Help the children recognize their daily blessings by writing in our family blessing journal.

::Family::

*Plot our garden. Didn't happen last year. Make it a priority.

*Family dates. Climbing the mountain, swimming, picnics...[things the children love]

*Re-design our basement living /playing space together.

What are some of your resolutions?