Once Upon a Time in a Land Called Etsy...

There was a man who shopped there, because three months before he saw his wife searching for owl brooches and pendants. 

"Why owls?" he asked his wife.

"I don't know, I like 'em."  she said. 

"Huh."  he said.  And that was that. 

Then,  a few months later and a few weeks before Valentine's Day (because he can NEVER wait to give presents) he gave his wife this:

 

 Cute, huh?  And so thoughtful.  The wife thought so, too.  She knew she was a lucky gal.

And they lived happily ever after,

The End.

Ooh Ooh OOH, Look What I Made!

I know there are people out there who loathe bloggers using their blog to show off their creations and toot their own horns and what not.  If you are that kind of person, then this post is not for you.  Generally, I would never have even posted something like this, except my mother in law took pictures of my efforts and made me feel really good about it.  So, if my self-accalades bother you, you can blame her.  But at least look at the pictures first.  And at least know that I wasn't motivated to bake so that I could put something on my blog.
Really, I wasn't.  I'm not that bad.
Yet. 

I was in charge of the dessert for Easter dinner with Sam's family.  On the way to his folk's house, I was vocally lamenting my goof ups on the dessert:

- "I think I may have cooked it too long, it seems kind of dry."
- "I tried to do it the way they do it at the bakery, but the frosting came sputtering out and so it looks weird."

- "Yeah" Sam says (looking it over).  "Why didn't you just spread the frosting on the top, like it's normally done?"

[I am instantly in defensive mode]

- "Normally done?  You don't just 'spread' frosting on a bundt cake.  How would one 'spread' frosting on a bundt cake anyway?"

And then I sighed.  I should have just spread it like he said (but I'm certainly not going to say that out loud).


Of course the first thing Sam's mom says when I walk in the door:  "Oh. My. Heck!  It looks just like the real thing from the store!  It's beautiful!"  Sam and I exchanged sideways glances and raised eyebrows.  Really?  "We need to take pictures of these."  She's so awesome.  She pulled out the camera and it turns out she posesses some mean photog skills.  Her photos dramatically improve what the desserts actually looked like....I mean, look at them.   They look so good! 

See?
 
Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting  (Sounds better than they actually were):

And the Chocolate "Nothing Bundt Cakes" knockoff: also with cream cheese frosting. 

(Mary.  This should be called the Mary-Cake, it's everything you love in a dessert. When you come to town I am making it for you).

2 1/2 Days in the Car and 2 Books Later....

And we came home with a boat!
It was a long drive.  (But so beautiful). 

Sam's dream (at least one of them) -he wants to sail.
So after 15 years or so of dreaming about it,  he/we finally took the plunge and bought a boat.  


I am not opposed to the pursuit of this dream, even though I haven't the slightest idea how all this is supposed to work!  It will be a fun adventure!  I love the water.  I think I may love this new hobby of ours...

Only time will tell.

Now That May '09 is Coming to a Close...

I thought maybe I'd post a few photos of April's happenings:

Photo 1

We celebrated our 12th anniversary.
TWELLLLLVE YEARS.

This picture is misleading, we really are very happy.

Photo 2

We also celebrated Sam's birthday.
He's 12 years older than the year we got married.

Photo 3

Eddie started baseball.

He is so adorable.
And very intense (I wonder wear he gets it).

Photo 4Jack and Ada celebrated their 8th birthday.
Jack is trying the snuff out method (not pictured is me hollering at him and telling him to just blow the dang candles out before the whole cake is covered in wax. What can I say, I need to work on my being-easy-and-fun skills.)

Photo 5







Here's a closeup of the stuff I made for my Blog Giveaway.

What's that? No picture? Ohhhhhh yeah, that's right. I haven't finished them yet (but I'm working on them now, you'll get them soon*).


*Please interpret this word VERY loosely.

Daydream Wallpaper

By Julia Rothman (click)

Love it. Love the clouds especially...


And how about in these yummy colors?
(you'll definitely want to click to enlarge this one.)

Did I mention that I love it?

You can find more of her wallpaper/illustrations/prints etc. HERE

For the Record...

Let's just be clear. I have NOT flubbed or cheated. I have NOT eaten any girl scout cookies. I have RESISTED temptation ! I must have credit for this!

I did, however, inhale a few cake crumbs. The last piece of Monday's spice cake was just sitting there so pretty, on a glass cake stand, on my counter. I walked by it a hundred times yesterday morning and decided that I've at least got to smell it.

So I lifted the lid-thingy (I know it has a specific name) and stuck my nose up to the cake. But I was a little too eager about it and practically crammed my nose inside the thing. One deep breath in and next thing you know I'm in a coughing, gagging fit.

It was worth it. Spicy and sweet. So good.

But I haven't cheated.....yet!!!!

I Tried To Mentally Prepare For Lent.

I really did.

I thought of every possible temptation for goodies: Sam's brother is coming home from serving a two year - LDS mission and there will definitely be treats, (good ones) when the whole family gathers. Several birthdays will be celebrated this month. The super markets will be stocked with Easter treats.

I prepared for all of it and decided I could do without. In my mind, I visualized myself saying no, moving on. I decided that I could and would.

But.

I forgot one really big temptation. And was reminded when I listened to my messages the other day:

"Hi, Melissa this is Abigail. The cookies are in and Ada's order is ready to be picked up..."

The Girl Scout cookies!

Clearly, whoever decided cookie season was in March, is/was not Catholic. Or, they enjoy a sardonic sense of humor (which I respect, entirely).

I can do it. I can just save some for later, right?

The last two nights I have had dreams that I've eaten something I shouldn't have and don't realize it in until after it's well down the gullet. Silly as it sounds, it isn't an unreasonable prospect. Reaching for candies and cakes and pastries, anything sweet- is second nature, I do need to be careful!

Ah....Lent.

Give Oh Give...

I'm doing another giveaway. Don't worry, this one has a time limit (so you'll actually get your surprise by the end of the decade). I couldn't resist. Two amazingly talented people I know posted this giveaway and I just had to see what they would come up with!

HOW IT WORKS:

The first 5 people to comment on this post will receive something, made by me-especially for you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done by the end of April.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It could be something crafty or practical or edible. It might be fancy or simple - it's a surprise! But I promise to try and make it good!

THE CATCH
Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.

P.S. I've signed up for two of these. HINT: Check back the first Monday in April if you want to play again...

Valentine Goodie, Days 7,8 & 9: One Love and Panamantana

So...I totally spaced Sunday's post. I took a way long nap and I don't regret it.

But now, I have a really sick little girl. I was busy taking care of her yesterday. Those are my excuses for not posting. BUT to make up for it, I have a really great post today ;).

(I really don't have much time to post or proofread though, so sorry if this is really difficult to read.)

***

I have a friend named Ann. (Or as my twins used to lovingly call her: 'And')

She's awesome, for lots and lots of reasons. Including this: Her new blog (click HERE).
You should check it out. If you've been looking for a way to volunteer or donate to something really worthwhile and have an amazing experience, you should check out her blog.

She works with a group called VIDA (Volunteers Involved in Development Abroad). What is VIDA, you ask?

"It is a grassroots humanitarian organization committed to helping developing nations by providing volunteers, supplies, and monetary donations. VIDA recognizes the importance of maintaining the cultural values of the people in the country and seeks to help those who are making an effort to improve their community."

Check it out. You won't be sorry! :)


Also, my mother in law sent me this video. And it's awesome because:

1. It's a Bob Marley song. When it comes to Bob Marley, how can one NOT feel the love?
2. It's played by musicians all around the world. Together. It's very cool.
2. It's a preview of a film designed to spread peace throughout the world through music. I so dig that... can check out more info. (and view other great songs) HERE

Enjoy:

Valentine Goodie Day #6: Confectionary Expressions of Love

A friend of mine likes to make and decorate cakes...Her name is Tori, and you can check out her blog HERE (she makes custom cakes, too). Having a skill like this would be so much fun!

Nothing says I love you like something tasty and beautiful. Here is just a sampling ( a few of my favorites):

Just Bought...

Psycho Soap. Sweet. Can I tell you how much I love Etsy? Apparently the lather bubbles up blood red...

You can buy these and other Halloween inspired lathers here. (I think my kids would love the eyeball soap).

Give, Oh Give to YOU...

(N: This one's for you!)


If you are one of the first three people to comment on this post -

You will win a prize!!!

It could be a cookie. It could be a million dollars...okay it won't be a million dollars.

I got some pretty snazzy (and economically ethical*) stationery a few weeks ago, because I commented on N's blog. I'll try to follow suit and provide the winners with something worth winning.

STIPULATION: I said you'd win a prize. But it is conditional...IF you comment you are agreeing to hold a giveaway yourself. Which is awesome, right? Because it is in the giving that we truly receive the gift, right? ;)

First three comments win!

Right? (why do I keep typing this word?)

Happy Day.
M