Thursday, January 31, 2008

awww MORE Bloggy love, SWEET!

my friend Steph over at And Then There Were 6 bestowed this lovely award upon me. SO COOL!!! we all know how i love me a bloggy award and this one is just as special as the many others i have received. thanks for the bloggy love Steph, i think you pretty much rock and not just cuz you gifted me this honor.
i want to pass the love on to some of my new bloggy friends If You're Happy And You Know It , Lunatic Fringe , MissSniz , Pea Pod Squad Stuff , Tales From The Carpool Lane and Temporary? Insanity . i also want to pass it on to a few of my all time faves More Cowbell , Pants Optional , My Chaos My Bliss , HappilyShovelingWater and Girl Going Postal . Y'all deserve this, thanks for brightening my world with all of your bloggy goodness!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

More Wordless Wednesday HERE and HERE

Monday, January 28, 2008

You Asked and I Answered!!

the response was awesome to my Q&A post. it was a lot of fun going through and answering the questions. i answered them ALL...yay me! here are the Q's and the A's...

1.What do you like most about hubby and Jordan?
Paul is the kindest, most loving, giving, sincere, gracious, compassionate, sexy man I have ever known. Jordan is the sweetest, compassionate, curious, silly, loving child I have ever known. They BOTH make me laugh! all. the. time.. We seriously sit around and laugh our bums off, I often wonder if the rest of the world would “get us”.

2.What is your dream vacation?
I know this is going to sound cliché but I LOVE Hawaii. I would love to go there again with my honey. We took a family vacation there in 2006, and had a great time, but I would love to go just the two of us. We haven’t EVER taken a vacation alone, I think that would be nice..and romantic.

3.Besides blogging, what do you like to do for fun/to relax/unwind?
I love planning and hosting parties. Right now our home is under some construction and I don’t feel comfortable inviting people into our dust, but once it is done I am having a BIG gathering. i really miss entertaining.

4.How did you meet hubby?
We met on ldsmingle.com a website for LDS (Mormon) singles. I know, I know…on line dating…ew! But honestly our paths may have never crossed and it was a great way to weed out the icky ones…lol.

5. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your life?
To give birth to a child (or a few children) of my own.

6. Do you have any regrets in life thus far?
One might think I should, with 2 failed marriages. But I am who I am today because of the life I have lived and in all honesty, I like who I am. So no.

7. If you could play a part in any TV show, current or old, which one, who would you play and why?
Hmmm…I loved Will and Grace. I also loved Friends. So either of those shows would be cool. I could be a kooky neighbor or something…just to hang out with those actors and deliver a line written by the writers would be cool. OH I would like to be on The Office too…that would be awesome.

8.Which song would you rather get stuck in your head:
Hey Mickey
Manic Monday
Crank Dat
Hey Mickey got stuck as soon as I read this the other day…like wow, I am going to go insane…

9. Favorite Song and Why
This is a tough one. I have 3 right now (it’s my blog I can change the question) I am a lyrics girl, lyrics over sound…I now that may seem odd but…Dream Big by Ryan Shupe…it makes me think of my kid, World by Five for Fighting it just makes me think. Broken Road by Rascal Flatts…that song was written about Paul and i.

10. Favorite Food
I could eat Japanese food EVERY day and never get tired of it. Gimme some sushi baby! It’s pretty, it’s fresh and mmm it’s YUMMY!

11. When and where was your profile picture taken?
We were at a family reunion July 2007. I had just spent 8 hours hunched under a tree painting faces, hence the horses on Jordan’s cheek.

12. How much do you love Super Happy Girl?
More than I could ever quantify. The girl makes me laugh, yea I am easy like that.

13. How many banana clips did you own as a kid?
I had them in EVERY color, some were jeweled out, some had beads, some had fabric scrunched and glued to the sides… so like a million. I could rock a banana clip!

14. How many of those do you still own?
None, I was wishing I had one a few months ago for an 80’s party.

15. Did you ever pretend they were Star Trek sunglasses?
I don’t even know what that means. Didn't Princess Leah wear buns in her hair? I am confused.

16. Do you like pancakes?
Yes with WAY too much butter.

17. Who was hotter: Kirk Cameron or Scott Baio?
Since we are talking WAS hotter it’s Scott Baio. I had poster of both (from tiger Beat of course) on my walls…but Scott never did any goofy poses like Kirk, I liked my men serious back then. Just stand there and look hot!

18. What is the one thing your really like about yourself?
My sense of humor; I think it has helped me get through some really hard times. It helps me be a really good mom and wife, and it is also a key component to most of my close friendships. When all else fails, laugh! I heard it burns calories too and you don’t have to get undressed to burn calories another fun way.

19. If you had $1000 to blow at any store, which would you chose?
Toss up between Willams Sanoma and Pottery Barn

20. If you could go back and change one thing about your life, what would that be?
I would have left my first marriage sooner. 7 years is a long time to be someone’s verbal barf bag and doormat.

21. How often do you spend reading blogs on a daily basis?
Honestly probably a good 3 hours through out the day. It’s been amazing therapy for me. In so many ways.

21. Who do you admire most & why?
My Grandma Tenney; That woman is a rock. She recently lost my Grandpa, when we went to the funeral she was busy making sure everyone else was OK. She and my grandpa have always been a beautiful example of how to love and live happily ever after.

22. What year were you born?
1971…yep, I know you were thinking I was like 25 right? ;)

23. A favorite quote
“If you can’t be a good example, you will just have to serve as a terrible warning”

24. Where did you meet your husband?
See Q4

25. how many hours do you spend online?
See Q21...but that's just blogging. i email and do lots of research online too...so in total maybe 5 or 6 hrs a day....is that a lot? do i need an intervention?

THIS was a whole lot of fun. Thanks for playing!!

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Going Home

We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet.
Gordon B. Hinckley 1910-2008
you will be missed but as i imagine the reunion you are having
with your sweetheart right now i can only smile.
lds.org for more.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Q&A

OK today i am feeling brave. GirlGoingPostal did a crazy, wicked awesome post the other day where she opened her blog (and um herself) up to questions from her readers! awesome right? i know i don't have a TON of readers but i thought i would put it out there for the few people who do frequent my blog...sooooo go ahead and ask me any question you want. I have the choice whether or not to answer it, in another post. Please get your questions in before the deadline. Not sure when my deadline is though. I get to decide that.

i am a little skeeeerd, but feeling brave all at the same time. (be kind)

More Bloggy Love!

My friend Leeann passed this award to her favorite blogs and guess what? i was on the list! so cool! i love me a bloggy award...as y'all know.

i love her idea of passing it on to the people on her blog roll...so look to the right of my page here and check out the list of bloggy goodness. i check those blogs EVERYDAY (sometimes more than once) for my Daily Dose. i want to honor all of them for bringing a little sunshine into my life. i don't think i can ever fully express how much i enjoy reading your blogs, sharing your lives and laughing (and sometimes crying) with y'all.

so take your award and pass it on...it feels good, and we all like feeling good right?

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

More Wordless Wednesday HERE and HERE

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Random stuff...

conversations with my 12 year old daughter Jordan:

on the magic of a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich...
J: why do you wait to put the other piece of bread on?
me: well i know its ready to flip when i see the cheese is getting melty.
J: oh wow, that's really smart. you are a good cooker. do other moms know about this?
me: (having never thought about it) ummm yea probably.
J:you should put it on our blog just in case.

on laundry:
me: what do you want to wear tomorrow?
J: what haven't i worn in a while?
me: ummm i don't know
J: we wouldn't have this problem if you didn't do laundry so fast.
me: what do you mean?
J: well the clothes i wore would still be dirty.

on chores:
J: i only have one chore, unloading the dishwasher.
Emma: you are lucky i have lots more than that.
me: Jordan you also have other chores.
J: i do?
Emma: good!!
Me :yes you also have to make your bed, put away your laundry, set the table, empty garbage cans on garbage night, and vacuum.
J: oh shouldn't i get paid for that? i didn't know those were chores.
Emma: we only get allowance if we do our chores.
me: Jordan you get cute clothes, fun adventures, two rooms in our home and her own bathroom, a ride to and from school everyday, a personal tutor that costs $200 a month, horseback riding lessons, free meals, and lots and lots of love. not to mention you rarely hear the word no.
J: yea that's better than money, but i could use a little anyway.
Emma: i say you don't push your luck, you got it good.

on growing up:
J: how long will you pay for my life?
me: what do you mean?
J: like when i go to college and stuff, who is paying?
me: well daddy and i will help you as long as you are going to school and working towards a goal.
J: so if i don't want to move out can i stay here?
me: as long as you are going to school and working on making a life for yourself yes.
J: so you guys are going to pay for my life forever?
me: if it takes that long, but i am pretty sure you won't want to stay here forever.
J: you might be surprised.

Monday, January 21, 2008

For Giggles...

Take this test!
Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than you do.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

but, but, but...i Waaaant it!!

for months i have been drooling over the Cuisinart Griddler

i. want. it. so. badly.




i love, love, love my George Foreman grill, i really do. it has seen a whole lot of chicken, pork and beef in its years and it has served our family well. but it is a HUGE pain to clean. the Griddler has removable DISHWASHER safe plates. i need that!

does anyone have this bit of kitchen goodness?

i also want Rachael Ray's cookware. not only is it high quality cookware, there is something about the orange that makes cooking a little more fun. it could only be made cooler if it came in pink!



i have also been begging for a KitchenAid mixer for about 10 yrs now. no one hears me, do they not realize they could benefit from all the delicious things i could whip up using this beauty?? i mean get a clue right? and they come in so many cute colors...here it is in "Ice"...ooooh pretty!



i love to cook. i really do. making dinner for my family every night, sitting around a table filled with yummy food and enjoying each others company, brings me so much joy. HOWEVER, my kitchen needs a makeover (badly). and since i can't have a whole new kitchen i want new cooking stuff. it would make life oh so much sweeter.
OK so let me hear ya, do any of y'all own any of these beauties? are they as amazing as i dream they are?

and is it OK if i am jealous?

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

More Wordless Wednesday HERE and HERE

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Tagged..errr I mean High Fived

so i was "high fived" by my friend Pam over at RandomThoughts to do a meme...i am still kinda blogstipated so i decided to play along...here goes!

its kinda like scattergories...you need to answer the questions with words from the first letter of your first name...sounds challenging, but i am up for it!

1. Famous Singer: Huey Lewis
2. Four Letter Word: high
3. Street: Hollyhock Way
4. Color: henna
5. Gifts/Present: hat
6. Vehicle: Hummer
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: hoodie
8. Boy Name: Hank
9. Girl Name: Hannah
10. Movie title: Holiday
11. Drink: hot chocolate
12. Occupation: Hot Mama...Homemaker didn't sound as cool, but it's the same job
13. Celebrity: Holly Hunter
14. Magazine: Home
15. City: Hollister
16. Sports: handball
17. Fruit: honeydew
18. Reason for Being Late to work: hair gone wrong
19. Something you throw away: halloween candy...admit it you did too.
20. Something you shout: HELP!!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

MORE Bloggy love!!

WOW i hardly know how to contain my excitement. my friend Kelly listed our little blog here in her own list of blogs she enjoys. she said the kindest things about me HERE she most def writes one of my favorite blogs to read and i was pleasantly surprised (and super touched) to read her bloggy goodness included ME today!! i love when that happens. it is all part of my never ending desire to be loved and validated.

you really should go over to her blog and read her stuff. most days she really makes me smile. i love this new group of friends i have made via blogging. and Kelly is up on the top of my list!

what a gal!! THANK you Kelly...you rock sistah friend!!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

More Wordless Wednesday HERE and HERE

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Guess What?

so my friend Kelli did this fun thing where she went to a site and had her blog rated. at first i was a little worried since her sweet blog received a rating of PG-13 (oh my!). i decided to go for it and have mine checked. i was very pleased (and WAY surprised) that i got a G Rating.




i am sure my mom will be proud...she told me recently that i have a serious potty mouth. in all honesty i only really swear infront of my mom for shock value and it's usually a joke or something.

ANYWAY...i had to share. now go look, what is your blog rated...be sure to report back here, i wanna know!

awww Bloggy love, SWEET!

LOOK LOOK...i snagged me another bloggy award! i am so addicted to all of this bloggy love. my new friend Leeann has bestowed the loveliest award to me....and it's PINK!! yee haw!!

AND Leeann said really nice stuff about me too seeeeeeeeee...

"HolleeAnn-A newcomer to my blog life. She is an amazing Mommy and has wonderful insights. I feel like I could meet her in person and feel like we have known each other forever!"

cool huh?

OH Leeann i most def feel the same way about you. your new friendship and emails and love and support mean so very much to me. i think we must have been friends in Heaven, we just see so eye to eye on so very much...you are seriously the coolest!! THANK YOU!!

i am suppose to pass this on...i have SO many blogs that i read and love so i am going to put some serious thought into this...so keep an eye out. IT. MIGHT. BE. YOU!

Friday, January 4, 2008

Random Recipes

So i decided to jump in on some bloggy fun from a blog i blurk (i admitted it recently..OK 5 min ago). Pam has a fun Random Recipes post that she hosts and "links" people up. All ya gotta do is go to her blog for all the bloggy details and you can also join the fun...go ahead tell her i sent ya!


Pumpkinlicious Veggie Soup
(1/5th recipe: 35 calories/ 0g fat/ 400mg sodium/ 6.5g carbs/ 2g fiber/ 3.5g sugars/ 2g protein = 0 Points!)
With chunks of fresh veggies and a creamy pumpkin kick, this 0-Point soup ROCKS!

Ingredients:
4 cups fat-free broth; vegetable or chicken
1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
1 small zucchini
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 medium-sized red pepper
*Optional: salt and pepper; to taste
Directions:
Cut pepper and zucchini into large chunks. In a large pot, stir to combine broth and pumpkin. Add celery and cook on high heat. After a few minutes (once soup is hot but not yet boiling), add zucchini and peppers. Once soup has reached a boil, reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until veggies are tender. Add salt and pepper, if desired, and dig in! Makes five 1-cup servings.

Be creative… Toss in a half of a cup each of canned corn kernels and black beans for the last few minutes of cooking. With the addition of these Southwest-inspired ingredients, each serving is just 1 Point!
1/5th recipe with corn and black beans: 71 calories/ 0.5g fat/ 480mg sodium/ 14g carbs/ 3.5g fiber/ 4g sugars/ 4g protein = 1 Point

i got this recipe from one of my favorite sites Hungry-Girl.com
she comes up with some AMAZING stuff and pretty much EVERYTHING
i have ever tried has been VERY yummy!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Happy New Year

yea i know i am late in posting...i have a cold. i feel poopy. Jordan has asked me at least 100 million times today if i have posted her New Years Eve on our blog. i need peace...so here it is.


Jordan is a kid who is ALL ABOUT traditions. i do not know where this comes from, but i have always done whatever i could to help her make and keep traditions. last year she had her BFF Emma over for a sleepover to celebrate New Years Eve and ring in 2007. you can find a play by play of that truly fun evening HERE it was one of my very first blog posts. you will find not much has changed. the girls are older now but they are just as cute and giggly and create as they were a year ago. the girls did a lot to make sure that they did as much of the same thing they did last year and even created a banner to commemorate the "2nd Annual New Years Eve Concert".

The evening started with a few games of Take 2!!
It's our new family fave taking the place of Uno after dinner!
(temporarily i am sure...sigh)
Jordan grabbed Snoopy hoping he would "bring her luck"
laughing their way through EVERYTHING
even making S'Mores!! (just like 2007)
Paul decided to add a checkers tournament to the list of what
HE hopes will be part of the Annual New Years Eve traditions!
the results AND the awards the girls made!

working hard on the banner, tickets and programs for
The 2nd Annual New Years Concert (which was sold out BTW)
the rock stars!!
a SMALL portion of the concert
(the other 10 minutes of video exceeded YouTube limits)



counting down with Dick Clark ("daddy who is that guy?")

the countdown!!


LOOK it's Miley Cyrus celebrating with the girls!

a toast to the New Year..YAY 2008!!

Hannah Montana Game

in bed at 1am (ish) giggled till 2am (ish)

2nd Annual IHOP Breakfast New Years Day
Here is to an amazing 2008, making BFF memories,
and to keeping traditions!!
may your year also be filled with all things wonderful!!

Denial?

Emilie: Wouldn't it be nice if cookies and milk could solve everything.
HolleeAnn: Wait, are you saying that they don't?
 
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