I am a Simple Woman

If any of you were asked to describe me with just five adjectives, "simple" would probably not be one of them(but "random" might be after reading this). But as I have been recently pointing out to Chris, I am actually a very simple woman. Take food for instance, that's simple enough. I can appreciate (and even make) a Souffle, Creme Brulee, Flourless Chocolate Torte with Fresh Raspberry Coulis, a great Cheesecake, or even Blueberry Mascarpone Crepes but again my favorite desserts would still be a perfect Chocolate Malt (thanks Grandma and Grandpa for that) or I am perfectly happy winding down at the end of the day with a big bowl of Ice Cream (it doesn't even have to be Baskin-Robbins). And there is no snack better than a tall glass of milk, and a plate of cookies. I love a big breakfast with bacon, eggs, hash browns, and since we are talking about what really makes me happy, let's add a hot scone with honey butter to that. Who doesn't like a fancy dinner, or an expensive meal? But I can be just as happy with a good crunchy taco, pot roast, crunchy fried chicken, or what can be more satisfying than a pot of homemade stew, or even a simple bowl of spaghetti and meatballs? Anyone else getting hungry?

I know that's a lot about food but that's only because the one thing in life that truly makes me happy anytime is a good meal, with good people, and good conversation filled with real laughter! In other words, what makes me happy? Apparently, it's the combination of family, friends, fun, and food! I guess that is part of why I love cooking, and being the hostess! It enables me to share what makes me happy with others, and if I can create the atmosphere, or food that puts a smile on someone else's face, I guess it's even worth doing the dishes that follow. That includes my own little family, dinner time can easily become a chore, but on the days that I can remember the bigger picture of the opportunity to serve my little family and show my love in the kitchen- it's all worth it (not to mention enjoying the benefits of the lost art of family meal time).

I've heard at different times in my life, that I am capable of anything I want to do. By the world's standards, I'm probably not a very successful woman (admittedly by my own, I'm not either, my expectations have always been very high, but that is for a whole other blog) but I don't measure by the world's standards so in my simple world, I am successful in the respect that I'm trying and progressing in becoming a better wife, mother, homemaker, sister, daughter, friend, teacher- woman. As women, we wear lot's of hats and juggle many responsibilities- and feel a sense of necessity in wearing each and every one of these hats perfectly at the same time. I don't always remember this, but have learned and will relearn that the key isn't in wearing every hat perfectly at the same time, but to remember that there is a time and a season, and the key is balance. We have to learn to juggle and prioritize. We have to learn at the end of the day to be happy with the items we crossed off our to-do list, and not regret the few we didn't. We have to learn to be in the moment. Just today I had to remind myself that it was more important to sit and watch "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" with Claire simply because she asked me to- the dishes would still be in the sink when it was done, and they were just going to multiply anyway. Claire is going to be five tomorrow, and I have to remember that probably too soon, she'll be trying to get rid of me during a movie instead of asking me to stay, so I will try to treasure those little moments when I can... But at the end of the day, if my house is not a disaster, and Chris and the kids are fed and happy, and I did a little better than the day before... than I can say that I'm getting closer to being the successful woman that I want to become.

And as long as I can find a minute or two (amongst my other responsibilities) to express my creativity in whatever mode I'm in the mood for, than again, I'm happy. Whether it's quilting, cooking, scrapbooking, decorating my house (my biggest white canvas), or even planning a party- give me a simple creative outlet and I'm good to go!

And some final random, simple thoughts- I'd like to think that my simple views extend beyond myself. I wouldn't say that I'm a very judgmental person, I generally like to see the best in other's, and I like to give people the benefit of the doubt... So I don't expect a lot, mutual respect and kindness maybe. I'm sure the whole world would be a better place if more people would just listen, and "Be Nice!" So they might be random, but there are your confessions and musings for the day... and yes, I am a simple woman, and proud to be one!

Porn Pirate Gangsta Mafia Name

After visiting Nicole's latest post with how to get your very own rap name (You may now call me Luscious Heidi) I decided to share some alternative name options with you...

Click here-Porn Name
"Blondie Jammer"-Me
"Spanky Lottatang"- Chris

Click- Pirate Name
"Pirate Javier the Badly Burnt"- Chris
"Jolly Marie Smithe"- Me

Click-Mafia Name
"Legless Elisa Costa"- Me
"Jackie the Con"- Chris

Party Party Party

So Chris says I need to find something worthwhile to do with my time... because I have crazy fun parties coming up! It all starts with Abigail's Artsy Fartsy 7th Birthday Bash on Friday (messy projects and lot's of bright Crayola colors). Then next week I'm in charge of project night for Enrichment (teaching the Witch wallhanging). The following Friday will be Claire's Pink Pampered Princess Party for her 5th birthday (complete with makeovers at the Royal Salon, thrones, and of course an all pink tea party). The following day is our big Super Saturday which I'm helping with (teaching scripture bags, and finishing witch hangings, and aprons, and whatever else). The Friday after that is Patty's and my Annual Halloween extravaganza- it's a Haunted "Hulaween" this year at the Spooky Island of Maloy! (get out your coconut bras and grass skirts) Then I'm going to need a break, so we leave for Park City the day after the Halloween party, for a week of partying with the family. Then I'm in charge of Abby's class Halloween party on Halloween (dry ice root beer floats, chocolate candy molds, etc.). Ok, that actually made me tired thinking about all that... BUT, I've got mad skills and they are all going to be fabulous! Watch for pictures and details in blogs to come... and hope that I survive!

New Do

I have been wanting and waiting to get my hair done for awhile now... the highlights had grown out to white trash status, and the ends were beyond scraggly (yes, that is a word!)... so finally the day has come! I got brave and tried a whole new color- Kallie (Hi, if you are stalking) did a great job and I love it- we did an allover chocolate color with caramel low lights for depth and definition- the cut is updated, versatile, cute and easy- all the things I like in a cut! Anyway, just thought I would share the new me!

Slave Labor

I was going to do a great post about our busy and productive Saturday... but Chris beat me to it and I'm tired... so go read Chris' blog right now, go, it will give you a giggle (at my expense- but that's okay because I'm a good sport) ... why are you still here? Go...

Tic Tac

Zach scared us tonight... he went upstairs to play in his room, and the girls and I were watching Ransom of Red Chief ("there's never a mongolian horde around when you need one") and Chris was on his computer (only important if you know the layout of our house- because from each of those rooms, you have a good view of the bottom of the stairs). Suddenly, I see a pillow from Zach's room rolling down the stairs, then him running across our bridge back to his room- then another pillow down the stairs... so I'm waiting for what's next, but was very surprised and afraid when I see Zach now rolling down the stairs- yep, Zach, head over feet ROLLING down the stairs!... Since Chris and I both had a good view of him, we are both jumping and running from different directions to get him- The funny part about that was that as I'm jumping and running to get there, I'm waiting for the thud at the bottom- that I didn't hear, so, I'm assuming the two pillows that he initially threw down helped cushion his fall.

So Chris scoops him up and lays him on the couch so we can assess the damage- there are no bones sticking out, or anything gory- that's a good sign. Even though he was crying, it was more of a fear cry than a pain cry- so we assess that he was very lucky and that's he alright afterall. Chris pulls him up to hug him and calm him down- that's when I notice it, the spots of blood on the couch where his head was lying. So we check the back of him, and sure enough, he has a matted patch of blood... so in common Chris fashion, he starts freaking out and talking about stitches and emergency room visits. But before I get to the really weird part, I'll let you know that after we got the blood cleaned up (you know head wounds), it was only a small bump and hardly a scratch. Nothing a little Ibuprofen and some Ransom of Red Chief ("Fluffy!") won't cure. So- now that you know that he's not dying of a flesh wound--- back to the spot of blood on the couch. I didn't mention that right in the center of the blood was a bright green Tic Tac. The funny thing is, none of us has had any Tic Tacs lately... and for the life of me, I truly can't think of how that Tic Tac possibly got there. We would have seen it, if it was there before we layed Zach down... and oddly, it was right in the middle of the blood--- so Chris and I are taking care of Zach- but the girls are in deep discussion about the mysterious Tic Tac, and I have to admit I was wondering myself. So while Chris and I are cleaning him up, I could hear Claire asking Isabelle, "Did Zach break a green bone in his head??" That must be the answer... it's the only explanation! Have a good night!

The Witch Is In!

For anyone who has seen my "old" Halloween wall hanging, it's great and everyone loves it- but, I had a new idea for one this year, and couldn't help but make it... so I designed a new quilt and made it up and I know a few of you have been anxiously waiting for the grand reveal, so here it is! (Maybe I can even get Mom to comment on this one) I think it turned out pretty great, and I think even Jodi the seamstress would have a hard time finding too much critique for itNaturally, it's a whole lot better in person, but you get the idea. I think it's adorable, and even Chris is trying to find some wall space to hang it (I have the perfect spot, but he needs some convincing... we'll see)
I love the embellishments that I added, eyelets and ribbon for the ties on the boots, hand stitching, buttons, thread painting, blanket stitching, beady eyes...fun!
Here you can see some of the stitching and detail... does this make you want to play with your machine more, Mom? The hand stitch turned out really cute with purple thread... Hee Hee!